Big Mountain Road pavement project to begin

Big Mountain Road will undergo pavement preservation work starting Aug. 7, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

The project, which is meant to keep the roadway in good condition in the coming years, is expected to continue through Labor Day, when it will pause for the winter.

Crews will begin digging out the top layer of the roadway on a short stretch between Whitefish Lookout Road and Tamarack Lane. The department has identified the curved area as needing additional structural support.

Next summer, a pavement overlay will occur on a larger portion of Big Mountain Road. More details will be provided as 2024 work approaches, officials said.

“Big Mountain Road sees many recreationists,” Bob Vosen, Montana Department of Transportation District Administrator, said in a statement. “We recognize the need to keep traffic flowing and expect this project to enhance roadway safety features once completed.”

Contracting firm Knife River will take on the project, and company officials said that motorists can expect delays of up to 10 minutes while work is underway. Traffic will be directed to one lane in each direction using traffic signals when entering the work zone.

Knife River’s Kurtis Paulson thanked motorists for their patience during the construction.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we reduce traffic to one lane on portions of Big Mountain Road. We encourage drivers and cyclists to stay alert,” Paulson said in a statement.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.