Whitefish downtown work ahead of schedule

The reconstruction of Third Street from Spokane to Baker avenues in downtown Whitefish is running ahead of schedule, with the project 78 percent complete.

Businesses remain open as crews work toward the Nov. 13 deadline.

The city of Whitefish provided a contractor incentive of up to $40,000 for early completion.

To date, new sewer, water and storm-sewer systems are completed.

Underground dry utilities such as electricity, telephone and cable are 95 percent complete, according to a press release from City Hall, and new road-bed preparation is finished.

Crews still are working on sidewalk and curb installation, street markings, irrigation and lighting conduits.

A priority of the construction process has been access to local businesses, clear signs for parking and pedestrians and an outreach/communication plan for shop owners and residents, City Manager Chuck Stearns said.

Weekly construction update meetings are open to the public at the construction site trailer on Third Street (next to Tailwaggers) every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

A Web site, www.downtownwhitefish.info, offers up-to-date information, as well as the ability to sign up for weekly e-mail updates.

Construction workers have made several interesting discoveries, Stearns said.

While excavating on Third Street on Sept. 11, contractors discovered three very old glass bottles.

One bottle was inscribed as "Curtis Brothers Preserves Rochester, NY" and appears to be the company's late 1800s to early 1900s ketchup bottle.

A small inkwell also was found at that site, as well as some old coins including an 1865 Indian head penny and a couple of V nickels from 1904 and 1906.

The bottles are on display at the Stumptown Historical Society museum at the depot.