Helena, Montana – Drivers traveling along Interstate 15 in Montana should prepare for a temporary interchange closure and continued traffic changes as crews move forward with a major road improvement project.
The Montana Department of Transportation and Jeffery Contracting Inc. plan to close the Interstate 15 Spring Creek Interchange at Exit 219 from Monday, September 14, through Wednesday, September 16. The schedule depends on weather conditions and other unexpected factors that could affect construction.
The closure is necessary so crews can complete drainage improvements near the interchange. Recreation Road will also be affected between Lyon’s Creek Road and Woods Siding Road.
During the closure, MDT recommends that motorists use Exit 226 in Wolf Creek to reach Recreation Road.
“This closure will allow crews to place a new 4-foot diameter concrete pipe under Recreation Road to help improve drainage near the interchange,” said Matt Widhalm, MDT Engineering Project Manager. “We are aiming to get this work completed as quickly as possible and will reopen Recreation Road and the interchange as soon as we are done.”
More ramp closures and paving work planned
Drivers should expect another closure at Exit 219 after the drainage work is finished. The northbound on ramp and southbound off ramp will temporarily close so crews can complete paving work. The exact schedule has not yet been announced, and the public will be notified once the paving dates are determined.
Meanwhile, paving work is already underway on the northbound lanes of I 15.
Motorists traveling through the construction zone should be prepared for changed traffic patterns. Crossover traffic is in place, with single lane traffic traveling in both directions on the southbound side of the interstate. Reduced speed limits also remain in effect through the work area.
A 12 foot width restriction continues to apply. Loads wider than 12 feet must be staged and escorted through the construction zone. Drivers passing through the area between 4 and 6 a.m. could also encounter brief interstate closures when escorts for wide loads are necessary.
The larger Interstate 15 construction project began in April 2026. Crews started by removing more than a foot of deteriorated roadway material from the northbound lanes and replacing it with new material.
Work will continue beyond the current construction season. Resurfacing of the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 is expected to take place in 2027.
Drivers traveling through the project area are encouraged to remain alert, follow reduced speed limits and watch carefully for changing traffic patterns as construction continues.
