Work begins on U.S. 2 project

Construction on U.S. Highway 2 south of Libby is underway again this year.

Drivers should expect delays throughout the summer, but the project is expected to finish this fall, according to Lori Ryan with the Montana Department of Transportation.

Crews began construction again earlier this month after working on the reconstruction project last summer.

The road was closed for about 45 minutes on Monday for rock excavation. While no other closures are anticipated at this time, there will likely be periodic road closures and delays of about 15 minutes as crews continue doing rockwork off to the sides of the road.

“There may be some closures throughout the summer,” Ryan said.

About one-quarter mile of the roadway is currently gravel and grading work is in progress. Reduced speeds to 35 mph with pilot cars and single lane closures are expected.

The roughly four-mile construction project is located just south of Libby Creek bridge about 12 miles from Libby. Construction is from mile marker 44 to 48.

Schellinger Construction is the contractor on the $10.239 million project.

The project is a complete reconstruction of the road meaning that the old pavement was removed by being milled down, followed by new subgrade material and gravel, and finally the road will be paved with asphalt.

Ryan said chip sealing of the road is planned for late August or early September.

“They anticipate completion of the road this year,” she said. “After the chip seal the road will be completed.”

Initial work began in September 2012 with clearing. Crews then continued with road and rockwork through shutdown in early November last year.

The project has included stream relocation as well.

For updated road reports, call 1-800-226-7623 or visit the MDT traveler information website at www.mdt511.com.