Plans unveiled for East 2nd road work

The city of Whitefish will unveil plans for the reconstruction of East Second Street during an open house in the City Council chambers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday.

Public Works Department Senior Project Engineer Karin Hilding and representatives of Robert Peccia and Associates will present project drawings and visit with the public. Representatives from Robert Peccia will present the information to the council at the start of the City Council meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Second Street will be rebuilt next summer from Larch Avenue east to the railroad tracks. The grade of the hill east of the Armory Road intersection will be reduced and a bike path will be built on the south side of the street. Work is expected to begin in early March and continue through the September.

“The limited road network in this neighborhood will present unique challenges for maintaining access for residents and emergency vehicles during construction,” City Manager Chuck Stearns noted in his staff report to the council.

The engineer’s pre-bid construction cost estimate of $2.4 million includes clearing brush and trees, road work with new curb and gutter; water, sewer and storm drain facilities; the bike path and new street lighting. Fees for private utility relocation work also are included.

Most of the reconstruction will be paid for with resort tax revenue, but state Community Transportation Enhancement Program money will pay for the bike path.