93 West road work to wrap up next week

The end is in sight for commuters who have slogged through two consecutive years of road construction on Highway 93 west of Whitefish.

Schellinger Construction will begin paving the road and bike paths starting Wednesday, Aug. 19. Paving will continue through the end of the week and then resume on Monday, Aug. 24.

Schellinger anticipates paving to be completed by Friday, Aug. 28. Chip sealing will follow.

“The Karrow to Mountainside project has been an outstanding experience for our team,” said project manager Marc Blanden, in a prepared release. “The community has been supportive and patient while we worked to create a better Whitefish. As we near completion, Schellinger crews look forward to delivering an excellent infrastructure and roadway for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Travelers passing through the project area should plan for delays and one-lane traffic  beginning Aug. 19 and continuing through the week of Aug. 31.

Landscaping is in progress and will continue into the fall.

The Montana Department of Transportation project includes building a wider highway, new bike paths and sidewalks, a new storm drain system, water system, and sanitary sewer system.

Phase 1 of reconstruction from Baker to Karrow Avenue was completed in the spring of 2014. Phase 2 is underway and runs from Karrow to Mountainside Drive.

Phase 3 is expected to go from Mountainside to Twin Bridges Road as funding becomes available.

The reconstruction project was originally approved in 1994 as part of the Somers to Whitefish West highway project with the primary purpose of reducing congestion.  

For more information about the Karrow to Mountainside project, visit http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/karrow.