Driving through the Bitterroot Valley on U.S. Highway 93 was like being in an off-road race last summer. But engineers say outside of a few minor interruptions, Highway 93 north of Hamilton should be smooth sailing this year.
 
Last summer brought one of the biggest construction seasons ever to Highway 93 through the Bitterroot Valley as the Montana Department of Transportation had two simultaneous projects underway.

The first was widening to four-lanes just north of Hamilton at Woodside and the second was widening the road and making improvements at the Stevensville Y.
 
Now, all but the finishing touches have been wrapped up on both of those multi-million dollar projects. The roads, along with sidewalks, crosswalks and new signals are all in place. However, DOT says there's still some finishing work to be done in both project areas, such as installing fences, curbs and gutters.
 
Project Engineer Ed Toavs says crews will also be doing some chip sealing work on some of the pavement, but there should be minimal disruptions to traffic through the summer months.
 
DOT administrators are monitoring the status of highway construction dollars provided through the federal stimulus plan and say some of that money might become available to do additional widening of the highway immediately south of Stevensville.