MDT Prioritizes Kalispell Bypass

October 13, 2006

The Montana Department of Transportation announced today they will be prioritizing the Kalispell bypass by starting construction on the West Reserve Loop Road and the South Segment.

“There were a number of things to consider,” said Jim Lynch, director of the Montana Department of Transportation. “And after much review, all options had merit, but MDT is committed to delivering solutions that meet the community’s needs.”

MDT recognizes and agrees with community and local government concerns and is fully committed to delivering the West Reserve loop to coincide with the opening of Glacier High School. MDT expects to let this project to contract this spring with the targeted completion of the project by fall 2007.

The south segment, which will connect US 93 from Gardner’s Auction to US 2, is expected to be let to contract in 2008.

Thirty million has been earmarked for the bypass project. An additional $8.2 million is currently in a federal spending bill that will be voted on in January. The entire bypass project is estimated to cost $76 million.

If the additional $8.2 million is appropriated by Congress, the south segment will be four lanes from US 93 to approximately a mile north of Foys Lake Road, then tapering to two lanes to US 2. Without the additional appropriation, the entire south segment may have to be two lanes.

MDT is committed to working with the community and Montana’s Congressional delegation to secure the remaining funding to build the entire bypass from US 93 south to US 93 north. That’s complete with four lanes and Grade separated intersections.

For more information, please contact Jim Lynch at (406) 444-620. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-7592 or dial Montana Relay at 711.