Beartooth Pass on Track to Open Memorial Day Weekend
Road crews are working hard on maintenance and repairs to ready the highway for the safe return of public traffic and request public's help by respecting signs and locked gates
By Denise Rivette
Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) started clearing the Beartooth Pass of snow right on time this year in mid-April and on May 8 they invited some members of the press up to get a look at their progress. Compared to other years, there was relatively less snow and the snow clearing was moving along well. The recent storms have not changed their opening target of Memorial Day weekend.
Short Video by Will Warasila Showing Road Clearing
Removing Snow Only the First Step
Even without the recent and anticipated snowfall, the Pass would not be opening earlier than Memorial Day weekend. Moving the snow off the road is only the first (and arguably easiest) step in getting the Beartooth Highway ready for the public. Before winter hit, crews removed guardrails in areas that are likely to be damaged during winter and those guardrails need to be replaced. There are culverts to be cleared out, damaged guardrails and roads to be repaired and rock fences to be cleared and reinforced.
Stay Safe and Keep Them Safe
As they continue their work, MDT asks that people not venture beyond the locked gate. They are still working hard pushing rocks and other debris over the side of the road to fall, sometimes on the road that switches back beneath. They are focused on safely and efficiently getting the road clear where they are working and may not see pedestrians and bicyclists below. MDT crews work under the assumption their road closure signs and locked gate will be respected; those who insist on walking beyond the gate are putting themselves in a hazardous situation.
Above is JD the bear, the MDT mascot named in honor of MDT worker Jeffrey Dykeman who was tragically killed by a vehicle that drove through a traffic barrier while he was working on a road construction crew in 2018. JD and everyone at MDT reminds drivers to slow down in construction zones and always stay alert for hazards and changing conditions while on Montana’s roads.
MDT looks forward to opening the Beartooth Pass as much as the public does. This year will be especially poignant for one member of the MDT team as this will be Jeff Anderson’s last clearing of the Pass. After 28 years with MDT, Anderson will retire from maintaining Montana’s highways and just enjoy the open roads.
