Contracts awarded for U.S. 93 projects

The Daily Inter Lake

Two U.S. 93 construction contracts worth about $38 million were awarded Wednesday by the Montana Transportation Commission.

The first contract, worth $18.1 million, was awarded to Schellinger Construction Co. of Columbia Falls.

That project includes improving 5.4 miles of highway, beginning 1.3 miles south of St. Ignatius and extending 4.1 miles north of town.

The highway will have two travel lanes - one each way - with an alternating passing lane. The culvert over Mission Creek also will be replaced with a 140-foot bridge, and several wetland sites will be created under and around the new structure.

Four large wildlife crossings and several smaller ones will be installed, together with wildlife fencing.

The second contract, valued at just less than $20 million, was awarded to M. A. DeAtley Construction of Clarkston, Wash.

The 4.7-mile segment starts just south of Ravalli and extends north past Ravalli Hill. It includes construction of a scenic overlook on Ravalli Hill, as well as four large wildlife crossings, wildlife fencing, turning and acceleration lanes, sidewalks for bike and pedestrian traffic, lighting, traffic signals, retaining walls and improved drainage.

Both projects are expected to begin by the end of April. Incentives are in place for completing the work ahead of schedule, so some night and weekend construction could take place.

These are two of the five construction projects that will be taking place along U.S. 93 this summer between Arlee and Polson.

For information about delays and detours, or to sign up for e-mail construction updates, visit www.us93info.com.