THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. THESE ARE NOT CITY PROJECTS.
The paving phase of the Kalispell Urban project is nearing completion just in time for the busy summer season. Workers will continue raising water valves up to street level on 7th Street West and North Meridian Road the week of May 19. Additionally, clean-up efforts will take place on all project streets, including East Center Street, 7th Avenue West, 7th Street West, East Evergreen Drive, Foys Lake Road and North Meridian Road.
Drivers are advised to watch for equipment on the roadway and to travel with caution. Crews will be on-site from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Intermittent lane closures can be expected for the duration of water valve work on 7th Street West and North Meridian Road. One lane will remain open to traffic on the affected roadways.
Workers are scheduled to return in early June to chip seal all six roads. Detours will be in place to allow the seal to cure properly. More information on the timing of the chip seal work will be provided as that schedule is set.
A chip seal is a protective coating that helps prevent water from seeping into the asphalt, thereby extending the life of the road. When water is absorbed into pavement, Montana’s freeze-thaw cycle causes it to expand and contract repeatedly, deteriorating the road over time. A chip seal is also cost-effective — it preserves the pavement at 15-20 percent of the cost of a major rehabilitation project.
U.S. Highway 2 (LaSalle Road):
The Montana Department of Transportation will continue making improvements to sidewalks on U.S. Highway 2 (LaSalle Road) during the week of May 19. Workers will pour new sidewalks at multiple intersections that include ramps with truncated domes — textured areas that alert people with visual impairments that they are approaching a roadway. These upgrades will bring the sidewalks into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Temporary ramps will be installed to allow pedestrian access.
Crews are also scheduled to complete curb and gutter work on U.S. 2 near Poplar Drive, weather allowing.
Finally, workers will begin paving U.S. 2 from the intersection of Sunset Drive/Spring Creek Drive to Reserve Drive. They are slated to start working in the southbound driving lane. Travelers should expect single-lane closures while crews pave the roadway between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Side street traffic heading onto U.S. 2 could be delayed by up to 20 minutes.
U.S. Highway 93 (Sunset Boulevard):
Crews are scheduled to begin upgrading sidewalks along U.S. Highway 93 (Sunset Boulevard) to bring them into compliance with ADA requirements. Workers will repair sidewalks at the following intersections: East Washington Street, East Oregon Street, East California Street and East Nevada Street. Crews will return at a later date to improve East Wyoming, once school is out for the year.
For the coming week, travelers are reminded to drive carefully through active construction zones. Fines do double in work zones.
For more information about the Kalispell Urban project, connect with our team by emailing mackenzie@bigskypublicrelations.com. Those with questions are also welcome to call the project hotline at 406-207-4484.