Meeting to consider bypass changes

 The Montana Department of Transportation is conducting an informational meeting Monday night on the northern half of the U.S. 93 Alternate Route.

The public meeting is being held to discuss design modifications.

The southern half of the bypass is complete between U.S. 93 South at Gardner’s RV  and U.S. 2 West.

The northern extension would run north from U.S. 2 West past Two, Three and Four Mile drives, ending near the junction of U.S. 93 and West Reserve Drive.

The existing design for the northern route calls for construction of a four-lane roadway with interchanges at U.S. 2, Three Mile Drive and Reserve Loop.  

However, the Department of Transportation is considering building the northern half of the bypass with an interim design to complete the road as soon as possible.

This would include some two-lane and four-lane sections without building full interchanges. The project would be expanded later into a full four-lane highway and more interchanges.

Also under consideration is a roundabout at Two Mile Drive instead of a crossover bridge. The project also includes a pedestrian/bike path and a pedestrian tunnel underneath the new road south of Reserve Loop.

 Monday’s meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 U.S. 93 S.

The public is encouraged to attend and comment.

Comments also can be sent in writing to: Doug Moeller, Missoula District Administrator, P.O. Box 7039, Missoula, MT 59807-7039 or online at mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml.

The website for the project is http://kalispellbypass.com.