Gov. Gianforte Announces Replacement of 11 Bridges in Lewistown Area for Sentinel Missile Project

Gov. Gianforte Announces Replacement of 11 Bridges in Lewistown Area for Sentinel Missile Project

Department of Defense Partnership Enhances Local Infrastructure, National Security

• August 13 2024

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), has formalized an agreement to replace 11 bridges in the Lewistown area as part of the Sentinel Missile project.

"Montana plays a key role in the national security of the United States," Gov. Gianforte said. "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 Dorrington for prioritizing this important project."

Nine of the 11 bridges to be replaced

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.

Three of the 11 bridges to be replaced

The partnership with DOD will utilize an innovative project delivery method called Progressive Design-Build (PDB) to replace Montana's aging bridges. The PDB approach, where both the design and construction are under one contract, accommodates DOD and MDT input into the design and will expedite project delivery. 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," said MDT Director Chris Dorrington. "We are working every angle to improve this, including partnerships, alternative project delivery, ensuring efficient environmental approvals, and bundling multiple bridge replacements per contract. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with DOD on this project as the Lewistown community prepares for the Sentinel Missile program."

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.

For more information on the Sentinel project, visit here.

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