MDT replaces 11 aging Lewistown bridges for missile project

“Montana plays a key role in the national security of the United States,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said Tuesday in a statement. “Today’s announcement will allow MDT to move forward with replacing 11 aging bridges that serve the Lewistown community and will support the Sentinel Missile program. I’m grateful to MDT and Director (Chris) Dorrington for prioritizing this important project.”

The project includes replacing 11 aging and deteriorated bridges on or near MT 81 in the Lewistown area. Eight of the structures were identified by Malmstrom Air Force Base as needing replacement. The remaining three bridges were nominated by MDT to be replaced.

The partnership with DOD will utilize a project delivery method called Progressive Design-Build to replace Montana’s aging bridges. This approach, where both the design and construction are under one contract, accommodates design input from DOD and MDT with the goal to expedite the project.

DOD will provide $7 million in funding through the Defense Access Road Program. MDT and DOD will contract with Montana companies Sletten Construction and Morrison-Maierle for the project. 

“Montana, like the rest of the nation, is facing an onslaught of bridges reaching end-of-service life, and we simply don’t have the resources to replace them all at once,” Dorrington said in a statement. “We are working every angle to improve this, including partnerships, alternative project delivery, ensuring efficient environmental approvals, and bundling multiple bridge replacements per contract.” 

According to the Air Force Global Strike Command, Sentinel is the weapon system proposed to replace the aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system. It represents the modernization of the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, extending its capabilities through 2075.