The Montana Department of Transportation and United Materials, Inc. are preparing to complete the final sealing and striping of the Great Falls Urban Pavement Preservation project.
Weather and other factors permitting, work will begin this week and continue through the following week.
This final phase of project work includes preparing the road surface, applying seal and cover and fog seals, sweeping loose material away, and painting permanent roadway markings, according to MDT.
Crews will begin by cleaning the roadway and sealing cracks. After that, they will apply scrub and fog seals on several streets, including 2nd Street South, 6th Street North and River Drive North. Once the sealing is complete, crews will sweep up loose materials and finish with roadway striping.
6th Street North and 3rd Avenue South will be temporarily closed to through traffic during sealing.
Parking areas along River Drive North will also be closed while fog seal work is underway and will reopen once the surface has cured, according to MDT.
Drivers should plan ahead and follow detour signs when closures are in place.
“We understand road closures and delays can be frustrating, and we truly appreciate everyone’s patience during this final push,” MDT Great Falls District Administrator Jim Wingerter said in a release. “This sealing work is what protects the investment we’ve made in the pavement. With just a few days of disruption, we can help ensure these roadways stay in good shape for years to come.”
Once complete, the project will extend the lifespan of several urban corridors, improve surface conditions, and enhance visibility and safety through new pavement markings and signage.
The project began last fall and paused for the winter.
Last fall, crews completed milling, paving, and sealing treatments on River Drive North and Park Drive North. They also reconstructed a curb at the southwest corner of Park Drive North and 6th Street North and installed an ADA curb where the River’s Edge Trail crosses River Drive North, according to MDT.
MDT awarded the contract to United in July 2024 for $1,709,871. The engineer’s estimate was $1,665,332.50, according to MDT documents.
For more information or updates, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/gfupp or contact Ella Currier at 406-465-7198 or ellac@strategies360.com.
