By now, you've probably heard the rumblings about the Sentinel Missile Project and the major upgrade that the system will receive in the coming years.

Needless to say, the project will impact many aspects of daily life here in Montana.

As part of the project, 11 bridges in the Lewistown area will need to be replaced.

Montana's Role in National Security

Governor Gianforte highlighted Montana's contribution to national security, stating,

“Montana plays a key role in the national security of the United States. 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.” 

Bridge Replacement In Montana

The project will replace 11 deteriorating bridges which are located on or near MT 81 in the Lewistown area.

Many of these bridges were identified by Malmstrom Air Force Base as in need of replacement.

The Montana Department of Transportation nominated an additional three bridges needing replacement.

Cost of Bridge Replacement in Montana

The bridge replacement will be a partnership with the department of defense and will utilize the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) method.

The good news is this PDB method is expected to expedite the projects completion.

The DOD will contribute $7 million to the construction project through the Defense Access Road Program.

Sletten Construction and Morrison-Maierle have been contracted to work on the project.

Sentinel Missile Program In Montana

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.

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