Kalispell courthouse area to get new crosswalks

Pedestrian crossings near the Flathead County Courthouse will be upgraded to meet federal disabilities standards and improve visibility, said officials with the state Department of Transportation.

The crossings will soon boast pedestrian ramps featuring truncated domes, or bumps, that warn pedestrians and cyclists that they are entering a crosswalk. In addition to Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, rectangular rapid flashing Beacons will be installed at six crossings in the area.

The beacons alert drivers of the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. When a button is pushed, two lights flash quickly and brightly in a bid for the driver’s attention.

Similar indicators are already installed where the Parkline Trail crosses South Main Street in downtown Kalispell.

The work is scheduled to be done in two phases, the first beginning in early June. That phase is expected to take about two weeks to complete.

The second phase likely will occur later this year when materials become available, state Transportation Department officials said.

Construction will be conducted on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m, and may lead to sidewalk closures and lane shifts, though the work will not block through traffic in the area, according to John Schmidt, an engineer with the state.

The project is expected to cost around $325,000 and is being funded mainly by federal Highway Safety Improvement Program dollars, according to Kristine Fife, an agency spokesperson.

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