Expect delays at Hungry Horse Dam

Traffic will be slow-moving across the Hungry Horse Dam for about 11 days this month, as crews conduct an inspection of a fixed-wheel gate that’s part of a plan to modernize the dam.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said motorists should expect delays while a contractor, BCI Construction USA Inc., performs the inspection from now through Aug. 13.

“August is typically a busy month for the visitor center and surrounding area,” said Bill Dykes, the agency’s field manager for the Hungry Horse area. “Travelers will experience some traffic delays while crews work at the dam. Please allow for more time when planning your travel routes.”

The Bureau of Reclamation said traffic signs will be placed at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Forest Road No. 895 to alert motorists of potential delays, which could last up to 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and up to an hour overnight. Recreational vehicles and vehicles towing trailers may experience longer waits.

Two mobile cranes will be onsite and equipment will be staged in the parking lot on the left abutment. Only one lane of traffic at a time will be available for use. Traffic signs and flaggers will direct traffic past the construction site.