I-15 Wolf Creek Construction Pauses for Winter

WOLF CREEK, Mont. – The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. have paused construction on Interstate 15 (I-15) in Wolf Creek for the winter. Construction will resume in 2025, when crews will return to apply a seal and cover (chip seal) to the roadway.

Construction on this project began in 2023 with the rehabilitation of approximately 8 miles of the southbound lanes of I-15 through the Wolf Creek Canyon. In 2024, crews rehabilitated the northbound lanes of the interstate, adjacent ramps, pullouts, and crossroads.

Other work completed in 2024 included adding roadside markers, replacing right-of-way fencing and cattle guards, adding new pavement markings, lining and repairing I-15 culverts, improving erosion control features, upgrading storm drainage in Wolf Creek, updating curb ramps in Wolf Creek, and upgrading concrete barrier rails, metal guardrails, and signage.

"With the pause in construction this season, the majority of work on the project has been completed," said Kas Manderle, MDT Great Falls district Engineering Project Manager. "Next year, crews will complete miscellaneous work, including the application of chip seal, which will help preserve the new pavement."

When construction resumes in 2025, traffic control will return to the project area. The contractor does not anticipate crossover traffic patterns or interstate closures for the piloting of oversized loads in 2025.

The purpose of the project is to improve the driving surface and enhance roadway safety features on this 8-mile stretch of I-15. The extreme climate and numerous freeze/thaw cycles in Wolf Creek Canyon caused the roadway material to degrade to the point where routine maintenance was no longer practical.

More information about the planned improvements and construction activities can be found at: http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/i15wolfcreek/. For current traffic conditions and up-to-date restrictions, visit 511mt.net.

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About MDT:

At MDT, our mission is to plan, build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system to move Montana forward by setting the gold standard for a highly effective, innovative, and people-centric department of transportation. For more information about MDT and the work we do on behalf of Montana's traveling public, visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.