Construction on the last 30% of the Salmon Lake project began in March. Photo by Keely Larson
The third season in Montana - construction season - has begun for drivers going to and from Seeley Lake.
Montana's Department of Transportation and its contracting partner, Kiewit Infrastructure Company, has begun the last 30% of the Salmon Lake Highway Reconstruction project. Started last summer, the project intends to bring Montana Highway 83 up to current design and safety standards, said Lisa Gray, communications official with MDT's design consultant, HDR, via email. To meet those ends, improvements will include shoulder widening, new culverts, drainage upgrades, retaining walls, upgraded guardrails and signage and rockfall mitigation fencing.
Most of the major construction elements were finished last summer. This summer's work focuses on the north end of the project, closer to Seeley Lake, between mile markers 7.5 and 9. According to MDT's website, cleaning, pavement sealing, final signing and striping are on the docket for this summer, along with finishing up the overall project elements, like shoulder widening and retaining walls. Drivers can expect 15 to 20 minute delays and for construction to be completed this year, July 4 being the goal.
The Salmon Lake project is one of three taking place near Seeley Lake over the next handful of years. The other two include updates to the Clearwater Junction and to Highway 83 from Placid Lake to just before Seeley Lake.
A roundabout has been selected as the option to improve traffic safety and flow at the intersection of Highway 83 and 200. MDT's website said there is no set construction start date, and that the design phase and funding process that proceeds construction may take several years.
The Seeley Lake - South project starts about a mile south of Placid Lake and extends 4.1 miles to just outside of Seeley Lake. Gray said this project will include constructing turn lanes at Placid Lake Road, Double Arrow Ranch Road and Wagon Wheel Road intersections, realigning the roadway, replacing Morrell Creek Bridge and constructing a shared use path from Double Arrow Ranch Road to the northern end of the project. Construction is anticipated to start no earlier than 2026.
Drivers wanting more frequent updates on the Salmon Lake project can call or text Gray at 406-208-0051 or email her at SalmonLakeHWY83@hdrinc.com to be added to an update list. Additional project details can be found at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/salmonlake/default.aspx
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