A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
After dinner yesterday, I walked the westside Kalispell bypass construction zone from Three Mile Drive to Two Mile Drive. Last year, the Three Mile overpass was built. This year, Montana Department of Transportation officials tell me, they espect construction on the Two Mile overpass to begin in September, after Congress approves the money. Apparently a paved detour (probably vehicles only) will keep Two Mile open while the overpass is built.
When I walked the route, no signs closed the area to visitors. Earth moving and construction machinery were neatly parked. The route obviously is not open to private vehicles, but from Three Mile to Two Mile, the wide graded route is smooth enough for passenger vehicles, and there’s just enough room for a car or small truck west of the flooded tank trap a few hundred feet north of Two Mile:
I’m not looking forward to driving Two Mile during the construction, or after it’s finished. It’s not clear to me whether the overpass will be on the bypass or Two Mile, but either way it will be a dangerous crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. The money would be better spent widening Two Mile and equipping it with sidewalks.
