MDT to start Highway 2 road construction south of Columbia Falls next week

The Montana Department of Transportation and LHC Inc. will begin work to rehabilitate approximately 4 miles of U.S. Highway 2 near Kalispell the week of June 16, MDT has announced.

This project begins south of the Rose Crossing intersection and ends just south of the entrance to Glacier Park International Airport. The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the existing surface to extend its service life, providing a smoother driving surface. Planned improvements include removing and replacing the pavement; adding a seal and cover (chip seal); crack sealing the roadway shoulders and median lane; adding a fog seal; upgrading existing curb ramps at the Rose Crossing intersection; resurfacing the Motor Carrier Services weigh station; electrical upgrades at Birch Grove Road and Rose Crossing intersections; adding shoulder rumble strips, new pavement markings, signage, and roadside delineators; and adding Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades at the intersection with Rose Crossing. 

Construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2025. 

“If you plan on traveling through this project area, for example to the airport, during construction, then please plan ahead and allow for extra travel time,” said Ryan Paulsen, MDT Engineering Project Manager. “Delays are likely, and temporary closures will occur during construction on this project. Additionally, for the safety of the public and the contractor, please slow down and use caution when traveling through the construction zone.”

Motorists should expect one lane in each direction to remain open at all times, reduced speed limits, wide load restrictions at times, and delays of up to 15 minutes. Rose Crossing and Birch Grove Road intersections will be closed to east/west traffic for up to a five-day period during construction. These closures will not occur simultaneously, and a detour will be posted during the closures. 

Work on this project may take place 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. Sunday work may be approved by the project manager on a case-by-case basis if requested by the contractor. 

This corridor experiences significant daily traffic volumes and over time it has become worn down and formed grooves in the driving lanes. This project will address wear and tear on the road and extend the service life of this section of the highway, MDT said in a release. 

Additionally, upgrading curb ramps to current ADA compliance and upgrading signals and signage will enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety.  Visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date road conditions and construction information.