MISSOULA – There’s some good news for Missoula drivers.
The Van Buren Street Interchange project is running ahead of schedule and the westbound on-ramp may be re-opened as soon as August 1st. However, drivers are still being encouraged to plan for additional travel time and to use alternative routes.
The Montana Department of Transportation also reports the final of the Interstate 90 ramp closures could also begin on Wednesday affecting eastbound traffic using exit 105. The closure will be effective through August 13th.
All traffic has been shifted to the east side of Van Buren Street including cyclist and pedestrian access.
Sound wall installation is now ongoing and should continue into September. Beyond roundabout construction, part of the existing I-90 bridge deck will also be removed for sound wall installation.
This will result in westbound I-90 traffic being reduced to one lane with this configuration remaining in effect for the foreseeable future. Traffic will be slowed and drivers should anticipate additional travel time.
A public question and answer session is taking place every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army in Missoula.
