Bypass officially open after ceremonial event

After Montana Gov. Steve Bullock’s 21-vehicle caravan drove through a red ribbon at the south end of the U.S. 93 Alternative Route, the entourage headed north to tell the Flathead Valley that a decades-long project had at last come to fruition. 

The Kalispell bypass officially opened Friday after a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that featured presentations by local, state and federal officials, as well as the local contracting company that made Kalispell’s longest standing infrastructure wish a tangible road to future development.

More than 100 people gathered at the overpass above Old Reserve drive to see the 4.5 miles of roadway unveiled to the public.

Montana Department of Transportation director Mike Tooley hailed the ceremony as an indicator of bigger and better things for Kalispell.

“We’re happy to say it’s here,” Tooley said.

Tooley recognized Ed Toavs, Regional MDT Administrator, who worked on the project for years. Tooley spoke about when Toavs brought him to a hill overlooking the future bypass construction site to envision the project.

“I could see the future of Kalispell from the top of that hill,” Tooley said.

Bullock lauded the Kalispell and Flathead communities, as well as their past and former officials for supporting the project. He also highlighted the work completed by LHC Inc., the local contractor that hired 16 Montana-based subcontractors and purchased construction materials from in-state companies.

While Bullock said the bypass is sure to enhance Kalispell’s opportunity for economic development, the land purchased by the state also now generates funds for schools across the state.

“This land that used to only generate $20,000 a year in the 1990s now generates over $670,000 per year and that continues to grow,” he said.

Bullock underscored the need for such infrastructure projects in the state.

“We need to make sure projects like this one find their way beyond the drawing board and find their way into reality,” he said.

Sen. Jon Tester also noted the long-fought battle to secure funding and push the project ahead.

“It’s a great understatement to say this is a great day,” Tester said. “This bypass is something the community needs… It’s an investment in our economy and the economy for our kids.”

Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Whitefish native, recalled discussions of the bypass growing up in the Flathead while observing a growing need for better infrastructure. He said the bypass was a result of politicians coming together.

“For a kid who grew up a few miles north, it’s a long time coming for this project,” he said. “This is what happens when both sides come together. I’ll tell you, the best of America is when we are Americans.”

Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson said Kalispell is more open for development than ever before.

“What we’re going to see, God willing I live that long, is going to be tremendous for my children and my children’s children,” he said.

Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist told of how the commissioners years ago invited MDT officials to Kalispell, hoping to illustrate the need for a completed project.

“We’re very grateful for this piece of infrastructure in our county,” she said.

LHC Vice President Jeff Claridge, a fourth generation Kalispell resident, wrapped up the presentation.

“This project is special,” he said. “I’ve been on a lot of projects, but I don’t know if I’ve been on a project with this much support.”

Claridge mentioned the foresight to roll the final steps of the northern bypass section into one massive project. He said to have completed that undertaking on budget and ahead of schedule was a point of pride.

“There’s a significant level of pride to have done this for Kalispell,” he said.