Sewer main work to begin on Wednesday

Construction crews will begin work to install a sewer main beneath the U.S. 93 bypass on Wednesday.

Workers will break ground on Wednesday for the project that has a deadline of May 15. It involves boring under the bypass to make way for 480 feet of new sewer main.

Kalispell Senior Engineer Keith Haskins said the line will follow the old railroad grade. The main will be installed just to the north of where the pedestrian trail bends south along the bypass.

This would be the first small step in a major public works project for the city, known as the West Side Interceptor. The estimated $14 million project will place a new north-to-south sewage line underground to relieve the current main line.

The original main line has been in service for nearly 100 years and is expected to get close to capacity in about five years.

Construction for this initial project will occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays. Traffic signs will mark the work area and access to the pedestrian path along the east side of the bypass could be affected, according to city officials.

In addition, access to Fenn Way will be blocked during construction.

Questions can be directed to the Kalispell Public Works Department at 758-7720.