MDT decides not to pursue reconstruction project in downtown Whitefish

A study that had a goal of identifying ways to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Whitefish along U.S. Highway 93 was recently finalized, however the Montana Department of Transportation has decided not to pursue a reconstruction project at this time.

The Downtown Whitefish Highway Study conducted by MDT looked to identify a concept that would reconfigure traffic flow through downtown. The preferred concept would add another driving lane both northbound on Spokane Avenue and southbound on Baker Avenue to alleviate traffic congestion. Despite this being identified as the preferred concept in the study, MDT with support from the city will hold onto the study with no further action at this time.

“MDT entered this study with the goal of reducing congestion in downtown Whitefish and our preferred concept reaches this goal in the most efficient way,” said Bob Vosen, Missoula District Administrator at the Montana Department of Transportation, in a press release. “However, we don’t want to push anything forward that the community does not want. This has been agreed upon with the City, and we’re proud to have worked together to come to this decision.”

The study originally launched in 2018 and MDT worked with consultant Robert Peccia and Associates to determine the most efficient configuration for U.S. Highway 93 where it passes through downtown Whitefish.

The decision to not pursue a reconstruction project after finalizing the highway study comes after receiving plenty of feedback from Whitefish community members in fall 2021. MDT hosted an open house in September to receive public comments on the preferred concept identified. During that meeting, 112 attendees viewed display boards about the project, visited with team members, and submitted 68 formal comments to MDT.

Community feedback included some support for the plan’s ability to reduce congestion, but many had concerns about it making Whitefish less pedestrian and biking friendly and taking away some of the small-town character. After receiving the feedback both MDT and the city came to the decision to not pursue any changes, according to a release from MDT.

The preferred concept identified, referred to as Concept C in the study, aims to spread traffic out by providing three-lane roadways on both Spokane Avenue and Baker Avenue. There would be two northbound lanes heading into Whitefish on Spokane, with one southbound; there would also be on northbound lane alongside two southbound lanes on Baker Avenue heading out of town. Under this plan, 13th Street would be reconfigured into a three-lane roadway as well, with two eastbound lanes and one westbound between Spokane and Baker.

“I’m confident in our decision to identify Concept C as our preferred concept,” Vosen explained. “We are going to finalize this study and put it on a shelf. We will revisit this study with the city of Whitefish in the future. In the meantime, the city will see no further action taken in relation to the Downtown Whitefish Highway Study.”

Although the concept from the traffic study will not be implemented at this time, MDT says it will continue to work with the city to maintain the U.S. Highway 93 corridor. In the upcoming summer MDT is planning a pavement preservation project to extend the life of the highway in its current state and improve sidewalks along the corridor.

To view the final Downtown Whitefish Highway Study, visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/downtownwhitefish/documents.aspx.