MDT announces roadwork in Lake County this summer

Pavement preservation and safety project on US 93

News from Big Sky Public Relations

LAKE COUNTY — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Riverside Contracting, announced a pavement preservation and safety improvement project occurring on and around US Highway 93 (US 93). A safety project is taking place near Pablo on Glover Road, just west of US Hwy 93. In addition, pavement preserva - tion work will be completed and extends from just north of Ronan to north of Pablo, ending at the intersection of US 93 with Minesinger Trail. Roadwork will take place for a few weeks late this summer.

Guardrail and signage will be added to the curves on Glover Road at the canal crossing. A flasher will be installed for eastbound vehicles to alert travelers of the roadway curves and canal bridge. These additions are intended to improve safety and help prevent vehicles from going off the roadway.

Additionally, crews will be completing pavement preser -

Officer involved shooting occurs off Cold Creek Lane

News from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office vation work on US 93 from north of Ronan to north of Pablo. This will include crack sealing, chip sealing and fog sealing. This means that additional thin layers of asphalt will be applied to the roadway and portions of the Minesinger shared-use path to add life and longevity to the existing pavement. Updated pavement markings and signage will also be completed.

ST. IGNATIUS — On April 24, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a request from a citizen to aid him in a welfare check. At about 2:30 p.m. a deputy went to the residence on Cold Creek Lane with the citizen. Shortly after their arrival, the person who was the subject of the welfare check brandished a large bowie knife and charged at the deputy and citizen. The deputy shot the man with the knife before he was able to injure the deputy and citizen. The man, identified as Christopher Ochs, 27, of Missoula, died at the scene.

This is all the information the Sheriff’s Office is going to release at this time out of respect for privacy of the family of the deceased and pending an independent investigation being conducted by The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. The Missoula County Coroner’s Office is handling the death investigation. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ochs.

“We recognize there is a quite a bit of roadwork taking place on Highway 93 in 2023. Preservation projects like this allow us to avoid having to do more expensive rehab or reconstruction projects down the road. Our goal is always to be proactive about keeping our good roads in good condition and enhancing safety for all users.” Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said. “We encourage you to reach out with questions.”

Drivers can anticipate 1015 minute delays when traveling through the work zone.

“Our goal is to move traffic swiftly throughout this project. Thanks in advance for your patience,” Cale Fisher of Riverside Contracting said.

Those with questions are encouraged to reach out to Becca MacLean at becca@ bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484. Updates will be provided as construction approaches.

The project team will also be providing text message updates. Anyone can register for these announcements. To sign up for text updates, text GLOVERSAFETY to 41411. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel. Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information, visit: https://smstc.us/t41411/