Nucleus Avenue work should start next week

The Montana Department of Transportation is beginning work on Nucleus Avenue and the North Fork Road in Columbia Falls the week of May 24, weather permitting.

The $500,000 project will preserve the roadway and help “keep good roads good” in the years to come, the agency said in a release.

“We know there will be some effect to people’s daily routines,” Kalispell Maintenance Chief Justun Juelfs said. “And we will work with the local businesses and community residents to lessen the disruption to their lives.”

This pavement preservation project will continue for roughly two weeks.

During construction, drivers can expect single-lane closures, reduced speeds and minor delays while the work is completed. The work will include mill and fill and a chip seal overlay, as well as removal and reconstruction of a median island at the intersection of Nucleus Avenue and Railroad Street. Weather permitting, the mill and fill work will begin next week as well as a few days of chip seal work in mid-June.

Public input is an important component in all road projects. Please reach out if you have questions. Please contact Megan Redmond at mredmond@ mt.gov or call (406) 396-1978.