State makes plans for final bypass links
As plans coalesce for the final sections of the Kalispell U.S. 93 Bypass, a public meeting is planned next week to talk about a road closure and sound walls along the highway.
The Montana Department of Transportation is nearing the final stages of connecting U.S. 93 Alternate Route between U.S. 2 and U.S. 93.
The four-lane roadway will provide the final connection of the eight-mile route. The bypass will have grade-separated interchanges at U.S. 2, Three Mile Drive, Four Mile Drive and Old Reserve Drive (formerly Reserve Loop).
The road project includes a bicycle and pedestrian path along the entire eight-mile length of the bypass.
The new sections of the bypass will result in the permanent closure of Parkridge Drive between Stillwater Road and Baron Way. Parkridge Drive was planned as a temporary roadway until the four-lane, high-speed route is completed.
To reduce traffic noise for people who live in the Empire Estates subdivision, the bypass will include noise walls on both west and east sides. The walls will be 12 feet tall or less and extend from Three Mile Drive to north of the current Parkridge Drive.
Construction is currently underway on Three Mile Drive where a bridge is being built over the future route of the bypass.
Future construction would build bypass segments from U.S. 2 to Three Mile Drive and from Three Mile Drive to Old Reserve Drive. The northernmost section from Reserve to U.S. 93 was completed last fall; the southern half of the bypass south of U.S. 2 opened in November 2010.
Completing the bypass is estimated to cost $36 million. Construction is expected to continue through 2017, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.
Right-of-way acquisition is complete for this project.
The open house will be Wednesday, June 18, at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell to discuss the Parkridge Drive closure, the proposed noise walls and construction updates.
The open house will run from 6 to 9 p.m. with a short presentation at 7:15 p.m.
Comments and concerns may be submitted in writing at the meeting, by mail to Ed Toavs, Missoula District Administrator, P.O. Box 7039, Missoula, MT 59807-7039 or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml
People should indicate that comments are for project UPN 2038018. The comment deadline is July 18.
The Montana Department of Transportation will hold an open house on Wednesday, June 18, at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell to discuss the Parkridge Drive closure, proposed noise walls and construction updates.
The open house will run from 6 to 9 p.m. with a short presentation at 7:15 p.m.