There's some good news for Billings as the final phase of the Airport road Project is nearing an end.
Supervisors tell us they're happy with the progress and also look forward to seeing local motorists using the new, improved roadway to full capacity.
An area that once featured detours, and bumpy roads have been replaced by smooth streets, greenery, and a new roundabout.
At fist glance the rotunda of intersections had motorist a little intimidated, but while people seemed to be adjusting to the roundabout on the airport end, the Heights end was causing commuters a few headaches.
Even though the project remains ahead of schedule for the most part, a few projects still remain on the back burner according to Project Supervisor Todd Talkington. "We won't have it chip sealed until next year. October 31st will be wrapped. We will have to do the chip sealing next spring."
From now until next spring, drivers will have full access to the new Airport Road with added lanes and new intersections.
(from July 15, 2009)
Progress is on the move at Airport Road but not when it comes to traffic.
A combination of dump trucks and sedans share the road at the intersection of North 27th Street North and Airport Road where construction crews have kicked it up notch putting in sixteen hour days.
"In two weeks we should have the major excavation complete," says project superintendent Bob Johnson, adding, "It means that all of this dirt right in there will be gone, it'll all be flat. Just like this. From here and then on east, clear to the end of Edwards is about where the major grating ends," Johnson explains as he points to the dirt being moved around the entrance of Billings Logan International Airport.
Within the past week, the entire intersection has shifted downhill, with one lane traffic on North 27th Street as crews level out where the old intersection stood.
"The traffic does back up at quittin' time. You're going to look at some delays going to work and coming back. But it's all going to be open 100% of the time," says Johnson.
It'll be another two months before construction is completed, and in the mean time Johnson urges folks to go slow and pay attention to the signs.
"Just be careful," suggests the superintendent, "You know, the signs are all telling them where to go, but if they're watching the equipment, then they get to the stop sign and they don't know which way to go."
In addition to traffic, a crew of 55 makes the scene that much more congested. So of course, Johnson has a request.
"If they can stay away, do it, or expect to be delayed."
Shaping the roundabout is expected to start in another few weeks.
Meanwhile, heavy machinery is on hold for a month at the other end of the project, as freshly poured concrete on the Airport Road bridge needs time to cure.
