Construction begins at fairgrounds

A second round of infrastructure improvements at the Flathead County fairgrounds begins today, and motorists using facilities on the south end will be routed through a detour on the grounds.

The $690,000 construction project will install storm drains and new utility lines through the midsection of the fairground where the food court buildings are located. When completed, new paved roads will be featured both in front and in back of the food court, according the Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell.

The detour will apply to those using the grandstand, fair office and Expo Building. There will be no measurable impact on parking, though some adjustments will be made to accommodate the construction work, Campbell said.

AGC Inc. of Kalispell is the general contractor.

The infrastructure work is part of a $1.5 million upgrade to the aging fairgrounds. Last year a new roof was installed on the grandstand, and an initial round of stormwater system and utility work was done.