Montana Highway 200 Reconstruction Continues in 2023

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Wickens Construction will return in early 2023 to finish phase two of the Montana Highway 200 (MT 200) reconstruction project. The project is comprised of five phases aimed at improving nearly 37 miles of Highway 200 between Jordan and Brockway.

“The Highway 200 Jordan to Brockway project is an important one for central Montana, as it is the major route for residents, commercial and agricultural vehicles, and visitors traveling across the center of the state,” said MDT Glendive District Administrator Shane Mintz. “It is a lengthy, large-scale project; however, once complete, it will offer a more efficient travel experience.”

During the 2022 construction season, Wickens Construction completed phase one, Little Dry Creek – East, a seven-mile segment between the Little Dry Creek Bridge and the Flowing Wells rest area. Work also began on phase two, Junction 462 East & West.

Phase two includes reconstructing just more than nine miles of the highway, from 17 miles east of Jordan to just east of the Little Dry Creek Bridge, as well as the construction of a new bridge over Little Dry Creek, which was completed in September. Wickens Construction also completed the grading and installation of gravel and cement-treated base (CTB) on approximately seven miles of the project.

Crews will return in 2023 to finish phase two, including reconstructing the remaining roughly two miles at the western end of the project area, as well as paving, seal and cover (chip sealing), and finishing work on the entire project site.

“Residents and frequent travelers of the highway have been incredibly supportive throughout construction, which we very much appreciate,” said President of Wickens Construction Casey Durbin. “We look forward to continuing work on this important reconstruction project that, once completed, will be beneficial to the surrounding communities.”

Another MT 200 project scheduled for construction in 2023, not part of this larger MT 200 reconstruction project, is Circle Southwest. This project involves widening the shoulder, paving, and chip sealing from Brockway to Circle.

MT 200 was built in the early to mid-1900s and was not constructed to accommodate today’s larger-sized vehicles. Reconstructing this section of highway to modern design standards by widening the roadway, adding shoulders, and increasing lines of sight will enhance safety features and improve access for all users.

Improving Montana’s thousands of miles of state roads and highways is a vital component of Vision Zero. Vision Zero is an ongoing statewide collaboration among hundreds of agencies and organizations, which strives for the goal of zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana’s roadways.

To sign up for regular updates on the Highway 200 Jordan to Brockway project, or if you have questions or concerns, email Sloane at [email protected] or call the hotline at 406- 207-4484 during business hours.

Those interested in learning more can also visit bit.ly/Highway200.