Montana Department of Transportation

Kiowa Jct N&S and N of Kiowa N

Great West Engineering developed the plans for the reconstruction of 10.2 miles of US 89 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation immediately east of Glacier National Park. In addition to the road reconstruction the project included two new bridges, flood relief culverts, stream restoration, and wetland impact minimization. Innovative techniques were utilized to protect wetlands and cultural sites and to take into account the areas poor subgrade soils, shallow groundwater, sandstone formations, and shallow bedrock. The area is also subject to heavy snow fall and experiences significant drifting. The design includes shallow ditch back slopes that will promote drifting and widened ditch sections to provide adequate snow storage. Rapid construction schedules were utilized due to the short construction season and high tourist usage in the area.

Project Highlights

  • Reconstruction of 10.2 miles of US 89 east of Glacier National Park
  • Two new bridges, flood relief culverts, stream restoration, and wetland impact minimization
  • Geotextile and special borrow material used to support new roadway
  • Centerline rumble strips, shoulder rumble strips, and six-foot-wide shoulders to improve safety
  • Adjusted EIS alignment to reduce the wetland impacts
  • MEPA/NEPA Compliance
  • Cultural Resources Inventory & Report
  • Wetlands delineation
  • Rare Plant Survey
  • Permitting
  • Project Cost $22.5 million

Project Photos

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