Construction Nearing Completion on Malta-South

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Wickens Construction Inc., is pleased to announce that construction on the Malta-South project is nearing completion.

This project enhanced road safety and durability on a 9-mile stretch of US Highway 191 (US 191) south of Malta. Crews reconstructed steep grades and sharp curves and widened the roadway. Work also included installing snow ditches to mitigate drifting and adding pedestrian facilities near 9th Street West, addressing community safety concerns.

Crews will return next spring to apply the second lift or layer of asphalt, seal and cover (chip seal), and permanent roadway markings. MDT urges drivers to be cautious and mindful of the “cone zone” during this additional work, as crews will work close to fast-moving traffic. Slowing down and remaining attentive in construction areas is vital for worker safety.

“MDT is glad to see this vital project near completion,” said MDT Glendive District Construction Engineer Clay Blackwell. “The upgrades will address both safety and the overall driving experience for the community. We especially appreciate the patience and understanding of area residents throughout construction.”

Key pedestrian improvements along US 191 included:

-High-visibility pavement markings for both vehicles and pedestrians.

-Curb bulb-outs at Ninth Street West to increase pedestrian visibility.

-A new pedestrian-activated signal at Ninth Street West to alert drivers of crossings.

-A separated shared-use path along the west side of US 191 from Secondary Highway 363 (S 363) to Ninth Street West.

The pedestrian improvements were added in response to community input during the design phase, ensuring the project met local needs, especially for school-aged pedestrians.

For more information, visit the project webpage: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/maltasouth.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on this project or the public involvement process, please get in touch with Ella Currier at [email protected] or 406-465-7198.

About MDT:At MDT, our mission is to plan, build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system to move Montana forward by setting the gold standard for a highly effective, innovative, and people-centric department of transportation. For more information about MDT and the work we do on behalf of Montana’s traveling public, visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.