US 93 Ronan-North construction resumes
Milling and paving operations on US 93 underway
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News from the Montana Department of Transportation
RONAN – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will resume work on the US Highway 93 (US 93) Ronan-North project. Work will begin with limited milling and paving operations on US 93 from the intersection with Round Butte Road north to the intersection with 3rd Avenue and Old US 93. Crews will be onsite Monday, April 22, through Friday, April 26, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.
These additional milling and paving operations are required because the top layer of asphalt applied in one section of the project last fall failed to meet MDT’s standards. MDT is continually testing the materials used on Montana’s roadways to ensure they are the highest quality, will withstand our harsh climate, and provide a smooth driving surface for decades to come.
“If a material fails to meet MDT’s standards, it is removed, and new material is installed. This occurred only in one section of the project,” MDT Missoula District Administrator Bob Vosen said. “While we understand this causes more disruptions for the community, it is critical that we keep Montana moving forward by using only the very best materials that will last for years to come.”
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction where work is underway. Drivers are encouraged to follow all traffic control and watch for workers and equipment.
“While Riverside Contracting Inc. will do all they can to limit disruptions, please plan for additional travel time,” said Riverside Contracting Engineer, Russ Gaub.
Other activities to be completed this construction season include paving the shared-use path along US 93, painting the final epoxy road markings, and other finishing work. These activities will be off the highway and are not anticipated to impact traffic.
Streetlights and the new traffic signal at the US 93 intersection with Old US 93 and 3rd Avenue will also be installed. Traffic signal installation has been delayed due to unforeseen supplier issues. MDT is working to ensure the traffic signal is installed as soon as possible.
The Round Butte Road Path - Ronan project will also be completed. This project includes building two new sections of sidewalk on the north side of Round Butte Road. This schedule is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen factors.
This project starts at the Round Butte Road and US Highway 93 (US 93) intersection in Ronan and extends north for approximately two miles, ending past Spring Creek Road. This is the first of two phases on US 93 that will enhance safety features and improve travel and access through Ronan.
During the 2023 construction season, crews widened the highway to four lanes, improved drainage throughout the project area, and began work on a new shared-use path connecting Round Butte Road with the existing shared-use path along US 93. In addition, a short, 600-foot two-lane segment on First Avenue starting at Round Butte Road was constructed in preparation for the construction of the second phase of the project, Ronan-Urban.
The project’s next phase, Ronan-Urban, is currently in the design phase. A construction date has yet to be determined.
Those interested in learning more can visit www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/ronanurban/.
