Design begins for Columbia Falls path and sidewalk project

Columbia Falls has been awarded a project through the Transportation Alternatives Program with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to construct a shared-use path and sidewalk.

MDT and the city of Columbia Falls recently contracted the engineering firm Morrison-Maierle to begin the design phase of the project for the path and sidewalk to be constructed along Fourth Avenue West and Railroad Street.

“The city of Columbia Falls is thrilled to get this important project underway,” said City Manager Susan Nicosia. “Providing this much-needed infrastructure will increase pedestrian safety and greatly enhance the walkability of our city.”

Currently, no paths or sidewalks are in the area. Many people walk the railroad tracks alongside Railroad Street as a dangerous alternative to walking along the busy roadway. Glacier Gateway Elementary School is close to the project site, heightening the need for sidewalks and a path in the neighborhood.

“Shared-use paths offer residents and visitors safe and accessible transportation and recreational opportunities for traveling through their city,” said MDT Missoula district administrator Bob Vosen. “We are excited to work with the city to provide this infrastructure for the community.”

The project includes constructing approximately three-quarters of a mile of an 8-foot wide shared-use path that will head north along the east side of Fourth Avenue West from Third Street West, turning east, and continuing along the south side of Railroad Street to Fourth Avenue East. At that point, a 5-foot wide sidewalk will be constructed to extend another 1,400 feet east and connect to the existing asphalt path at the Eighth Avenue East intersection.

The project is funded through Transportation Alternative and local matching funds provided by the city. Once construction is complete, the city will maintain the path and sidewalks.

For questions, contact Sloane Stinson at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the hotline 406- 207-4484, during business hours. For more information about the project, visit the project webpage at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/railroadstreet/.