Highway department plan examines access points on U.S. 93
Cars drive along U.S. 93 South just south of Whitefish. (FILE photo)
The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking input on its access management plan for U.S. 93 from Kalispell through Whitefish.
The department is holding two in-person open houses for the Kalispell-Whitefish Access Plan. The purpose of these events is to inform the community about access management options, explain the plan’s goals and objectives, and offer opportunities for public feedback, according to a release.
The plan will inform the development of access points — entrances or exits such as driveways and intersections — on the highway for the corridor connecting Kalispell and extending west of Whitefish.
The plan is designed to enhance safety and efficiency, according to the department, and will inform future roadway projects. No construction is planned as a result of the plan.
“We are holding these open house events to help the public understand what access management is, and what it means to them,” said Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator. “The goal is to find a way to allow people to access U.S. 93 safely while still meeting the needs of the traveling public through the region on the highway.”
The plan is expected to be completed in fall 2025.
The first open house is March 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage Rd., Kalispell. The second open house is May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Whitefish City Hall, 418 E Second St.
Questions about the project can be emailed to stephanie@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 406-207-4484.
For more information on the access plan, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/kalispellwhitefish/