Closures expected with Kalispell trail construction

Construction will begin on a new segment of the multi-use trail along U.S. 93 North in Kalispell on Monday, Sept. 9.

Starting that Monday, the Montana Department of Transportation advised the public there will be “minor shoulder closures” and “construction-related traffic” with the project. The state is overseeing the construction and anticipates it will take approximately six weeks.

The trail linkage project is now expected to start a week earlier than the original planned start date of Sept. 16. The new portion of the trail will connect the existing path on the west side of U.S. 93 North to the Spring Prairie Plaza to the north. The additional segment will be about 0.2 miles long from the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex to the shopping center.

The Montana Department of Transportation is working closely with Kalispell Parks and Recreation on the trail construction, and Kalispell Parks and Recreation Director Chad Fincher said the project is a much-needed connection for the trail on the west side of the highway.

The trail linkage will start near the pedestrian tunnel that runs underneath U.S. 93 and connects the east and west sides of the trail. The tunnel is expected to be closed for a short time during the construction. MDT reported the project will build approximately 900 feet of asphalt path, compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The construction will also include grading, a safety rail and revegetation along the trail.

The project is funded through a $104,896 grant from the state of Montana under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. Kalispell-based Sapphire Construction Services has been selected to complete the construction.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.