Major repairs planned for US Highway 2 in Blaine County

A total of 14.1 miles of U.S. Highway 2 from Chinook to Fort Belknap will undergo major repairs in 2018 under a plan from the Montana Department of Transportation.

MDT officials say there will be no need for rights-of-way or utility relocations under the plan, since all the work will be done on existing roadways.

Work will begin at 15 Mile Bridge and will proceed east to the Fort Belknap boundary line.

Proposed work includes milling the existing surface, applying a new plant mix overlay, seal and cover — chip seal — upgraded pavement markings, rumble strips, guardrail updates and replacement of a culvert.

The 2018 date depends on completion of pre-construction activities and availability of funding, MDT officials said.

The project will make for a smoother ride for the public and will extend the life to the roadway, MDT officials said.

For more information, people can contact Steve Prinzing, Great Falls district reconstruction engineer, 406-454-5880 or District Projects Engineer Christie McOmber at 406-454-5900.

The public may submit written comments to the Montana Department of Transportation Great Falls office at PO Box 1359, Great Falls, MT 59403-1359, or online at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml.

The Chinook-to-Fort Belknap segment is part of an effort to improve Highway 2.

The stretch that runs through downtown Havre underwent major reconstruction a few years ago, while the another stretch going east to Chinook was reconstructed in the last two years.

A gap between an area east of Havre running to Chinook is scheduled for reconstruction in future years.