U.S. 93 back up to full four lanes

Traffic is flowing freely on U.S. 93 in north Kalispell where the construction of a pedestrian tunnel is well ahead of schedule.

The four-lane highway had been reduced to two lanes through the 1,000-foot construction zone since Saturday as crews worked 24 hours a day to install the tunnel.

The reopening of all four lanes came Thursday morning, a full four days ahead of schedule. Traffic was restricted briefly on Thursday night as crews smoothed the surface

“Now it’s fully open, striped and rides real good,” said Ed Toavs, a construction engineer with the Montana Department of Transportation.

The $726,000 project began May 9.

The final phase will be for workers to complete shoulder work and connect bike paths on each side of U.S. 93.

The 140-foot tunnel connects the Kidsports complex and Flathead Valley Community College.

Toavs said the project should be done ahead of its initial scheduled completion of the end of May.

“They’re hoping to get the majority of that finished next week, weather permitting,” Toaves said.

LHC Inc., based on Stillwater Road, is the lead contractor for the project.