MISSOULA – Montana Rail Link officials say a project to repair the crossing at Brooks and Reserve streets in Missoula is expected to take an entire day on Sunday, and they’re recommending people avoid the area if at all possible to avoid detours that could result in long delays.
The MRL crossing of the Bitterroot Branch Line at Brooks and Reserve is probably crossed by more vehicles in a single day than any other crossing in the state. Tens of thousands cars go through the intersection and it’s estimated millions have passed over the rubber crossing mats since they were installed in 1992.
Starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday morning, crews will begin tearing out the old mats and installing cement which is expected to be safer and quieter for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists for years to come.
The work is expected to last until 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Missoula officials thought it was best to use a weekend to close the intersection, but even so, delays could be tough. Residents who live in the area will have to detour around using streets like 39th, Gharrett, Old Highway 93 and Dore Lane.
The Montana Department of Transportation says there aren’t many options, especially for drivers headed for the Bitterroot. So MDT is advising people to avoid the intersection area entirely if possible on Sunday.
