Celebration marks completion of U.S. 93 bypass interchange

The Montana Department of Transportation, in partnership with the City of Kalispell, KLJ Engineering, and LHC Construction, on Wednesday, Aug. 31 is holding a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Foy’s Lake Road interchange on the U.S. 93 bypass.

Crews replaced the original roundabout with a full interchange consisting of an overpass and ramps connected to two teardrop-shaped roundabouts.

The ceremony is from 5-7 p.m. at the MDT maintenance yard, south of the Airport Road roundabout, across from Silver Buckle Road.

“This was a huge project for the Kalispell community,” MDT District Administrator, Bob Vosen, said. “We recognize the delays caused and are grateful for everyone’s patience. This will be a celebration for the end of construction to thank all those who have been impacted along the way. Their support means so much to us.”

The event will include remarks from speakers, games, treats and is designed to be a community celebration, hosted by MDT and LHC. It is free to the public.

The Foy’s Lake Road interchange project is part of the phased development plan for the bypass, which also includes future improvements to Airport Road and U.S. 93 intersections.

Roadwork on the Foy’s Lake Road interchange took place in 2021 and 2022. The interchange provides access to the bypass for both residents and travelers, creating increased traffic flow and safety for drivers, according to MDT.

Funding for the endeavor was provided through the federal government and the state. For the project, $12.7 million originated from the U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant, with the remaining $2 million from MDT’s National Highway Funding Program.

The project was then completed within just two construction seasons.

After decades of planning and work, the Kalispell bypass as a whole is the single largest highway transportation project in Montana history.