SCHEDULE UPDATE: Montana and Wyoming Departments of Transportation to Temporarily Close I-90 For Aerial Weed Spraying
Closure and spraying tentatively rescheduled until October 21, due to fire activity and high wind conditions in the area
Montana Department of Transportation press release
OCTOBER 17, 2024 UPDATE
I-90 Closure and aerial weed spraying RESCHEDULED
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) have rescheduled aerial noxious weed spraying operations for Monday, October 21. The closure will begin at 7 a.m. and is estimated to last for eight hours, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. If necessary, spraying may occur on Tuesday, October 22. I-90 will open once spraying is completed.
Traffic will be detoured via Montana Highway 451 (MT 451) and Wyoming Highway 345 (WYO 345). A 12-foot width restriction and 14-foot-9-inch height restriction will be in place. Travelers should expect potential delays when traveling through the project area.
All exits along I-90 within the project area will be closed to traffic during spraying operations.
October 3 UPDATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - UPDATE
I-90 closure and aerial weed spraying postponed
In the interest of public safety, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has tentatively rescheduled until October 21, due to fire activity and high wind conditions in the area.
Original press release below
October 1
Southeastern Montana - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Sheridan County Weed and Pest (SCWP), Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), will close Interstate 90 (I-90) at Wyola, Montana Exit 544 to the Acme, Wyoming Exit 14, to perform aerial weed spraying targeting ventenata and medusahead.
A detour will be in place for about eight hours starting Monday, October 7, at 7 a.m. (weather and other unforeseen factors permitting) with Tuesday, October 8, as an additional date if needed. I-90 will open once spraying is completed.
Traffic will be detoured via Montana Highway 451 (MT 451) and Wyoming Highway 345 (WYO 345). A 12-foot width restriction will be in place.
All exits along I-90 within the project area will be closed to traffic during spraying operations.
Ventenata and medusahead are invasive grasses that damage native grasses. Livestock and wildlife will not graze ventenata or medusahead. I-90 near the Montana/Wyoming border has a severe infestation of both weeds with the risk of seed spread throughout both states.
In total, 97 acres of right-of-way in Montana will be treated, as well as 840 acres of right-of-way in Wyoming.
The public is encouraged to contact Billings District Maintenance Chief Walt Houghton at 406-657-0217 with questions or comments about the project.