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Virus outbreak not slowing highway construction plans in Western MT

Russell Street Bridge Construction
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MISSOULA — Although the COVID-19 outbreak is having a far reaching impact across Western Montana business, one area is still going strong -- highway construction.

While many indoor jobs are shut down, construction projects around the area remain on track.

On the Russell Street Bridge, crews have been busy all week making some of the finishing touches to the new span, such as installing hand rails and medians, and completing trail connections.

Montana Department of Transportation tells MTN News the multi-million dollar project remains on track for a complete opening of the new bridge this spring, and there's no anticipation the coronavirus will interfere with that schedule.

Crews are expected to start work this week doing the final surveying to rebuild the Eastside Highway south of Stevensville. That project will widen the busy road with major safety improvements.

Meanwhile in Hamilton, work starts Monday on a major water main replacement that will close Big Corral Road with traffic detoured to Kurtz Lane. That project will be finished in June.