Public comment period open for U.S. 93 road project

The Montana Department of Transportation last week announced public comment is open regarding a new resurfacing project between U.S. 2 and Flathead Valley Community College.

The project aims to resurface the roadway and upgrade sidewalk ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including about 2.2 miles of roadwork on U.S. 93 north of U.S. 2. The project begins at the intersection of Washington Street and U.S. 93, reaching up to Grandview Drive near the community college.

Work on the proposed project also includes applying new asphalt and finishing with a chip-seal cover. New pavement markings would be installed and the signage and guardrail would be replaced.

A press release from the Department of Transportation states the project’s intention is to enhance the safety of the traveling public and take a cost-effective action to prolong and preserve the existing pavement.

Construction would be expected to begin in 2018, depending on completion on preliminary development and availability of funding.

The state department will contact all potentially affected landowners prior to performing survey work on affected landowners’ land. If the project proceeds, MDT would contact landowners again in regards to property acquisitions and temporary construction permits.

Comments may be submitted by mail to the Montana Department of Transportation Missoula Office at P.O. Box 7039, Missoula, MT 59807-7039, or online at www.MDT.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml.

For more information on the project, contact MDT Regional Administrator Ed Toavs at (406) 523-5802 or Project Design Engineer Ben Nunnalee at (406) 523-5846.