The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has appointed Battle Ridge Builders to carry out the Expedited I-90 Bear Canyon Bridge Repair on eastbound Interstate 90 at Exit 313 – a key trans-Rocky Mountain freight and passenger corridor. The project will replace two prestressed concrete girders and repair the deck above Bozeman Trail Road, where traffic has been restricted since a vehicle strike in late January. MDT said the collision occurred when a commercial vehicle with an overheight load attempted to pass beneath the span, exceeding the posted 4.04m clearance.
The Bear Canyon crossing spans a narrow valley about 11.7km east of Bozeman, carrying interstate traffic above a local route serving nearby communities and recreation areas. MDT said prompt restoration of the damaged span will reduce disruption for both interstate users and local traffic.
Geno Liva, MDT Butte District administrator, said the agency acted quickly to shorten the programme, noting that MDT immediately ordered two 12.6m replacement beams to avoid fabrication delays and selected a contractor through an exigency procurement process. Environmental reviews were also launched within days of the impact so that site work could begin without delay. The expedited approach aims to restore full eastbound capacity on I-90 as soon as practicable while maintaining safety.
Battle Ridge Builders is due to start construction in the coming weeks, with completion targeted by the end of March, subject to weather and other unforeseen conditions.
