CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Flathead River - Perma Bridge

Construction Update

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West have removed deteriorated concrete from the northbound lane over the Perma Bridge and are preparing for concrete placement. Construction activities will pause for the Labor Day holiday weekend on Friday, September 1, and will resume on Tuesday, September 5.

Be safe and limit distractions as you travel this weekend. Follow traffic control when driving through work zones.

What's next?

Concrete is expected to be placed in the northbound lane of the bridge in early September. Once the concrete has cured, traffic will shift and travel on the northbound lane so crews can begin removing concrete in the southbound lane.

What to expect during construction

Secondary Highway 382 (S 382):

·     Traffic will be reduced to a single lane.

·     Traffic will be controlled by traffic-sensing smart signals on S 382 and Montana Highway 200 (MT 200).

·     Speed limits will be reduced.

·     A 10-foot width restriction is in place 24/7. Visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date information.

·     Delays of up to 15 minutes.

Flathead River:

·     Precautions are being taken to protect the river and its users during construction. It is unlikely that the river will close as a part of this project.

·     The fishing access and boat launch site will remain open throughout construction.

MDT anticipates that bridge rehabilitation work will be substantially completed this fall. Crews are expected to return in 2024 to paint portions of the steel superstructure, which helps to slow corrosion.

Make a Sober Ride Part of Your Labor Day Plans.

For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. As part of a nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization running from August 16, 2023, through September 4, 2023, law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) will be increasing patrols to watch for and stop impaired drivers on Montana’s roadways. Before you make plans to travel for Labor Day weekend, plan for safe, sober transportation and insist your friends and family do the same. Remember to always buckle up before you go, as using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation.

Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and impaired driving prevention here: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/onereason/default.aspx#sober

ABOUT THE PROJECT

MDT and Frontier West are rehabilitating the bridge that carries S 382 traffic over the Flathead River near Perma. This bridge was originally constructed in the early 1960s and needs repairs. This project will extend the service life of this bridge. 

Improvements include:

·     Replacing damaged bearings and joints.

·     Repairing bridge girders.

·     Hydro milling and overlaying the bridge deck with new concrete.

·     Painting portions of the steel superstructure to slow corrosion.

·     Upgrading bridge railing and roadway approach guardrail.

·     Resurfacing the pavement approaches on the bridge.

·     Adding advance warning rumble strips and signage for the intersection of S 382 and Montana Highway 200 (MT 200).

Visit the project website at: Flathead River - Perma Bridge MDT Website

Stay Informed During the Construction

- For construction TEXT updates: text PERMA to 866-434-0866 (toll-free)

- Call the project phone line: 406-545-0800

- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy by visiting: https://simpletexting.com/privacy-policy/ 

Allow extra travel time, slow down, and use caution in work zones for the safety of workers and the public.

Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at: www.511mt.net

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.