WHAT'S NEW

Updated Summer 2008

CURRENT ACTIVITY
"Reserve Loop and South Segment set as first construction efforts" The Kalispell City Council, Flathead County Commission and MDT recommended Bypass construction begin with the Reserve Loop and the south segment (US 2 South) (MDT Press Release).


  "Reserve Loop Completed" The Reserve Loop project constructed 1.2 miles of new four-lane roadway at the Bypass' north end (southeasterly across the State School Trust Lands in Section 36) Construction took place from May 2007 through October 2007. The project included the area's first modern roundabout at Stillwater Road and provides a new road between US 93 to the west. More information on roundabouts can be found on MDT's website at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/roundabouts


  Currently in the design stage, US 2 South is the next segment identified for right-of-way acquisition and subsequent construction. This project plans to construct the four-lane Bypass between US 93 (1/2 mile south of Four Corners) to US 2, near Appleway Drive. The project plans to build an interim, stop-sign controlled intersection between Airport Road and the new Bypass, with a future project constructing a grade-separated interchange when funds are available. The project will also reconstruct one mile of Foys Lake Road to cross above the Bypass on a new bridge. Again, a future project will build the connecting ramps once construction funds are available. The project will relocate Corporate and Appleway Drives on US 2 to improve traffic flow. Traffice signals will be installed on US 93 and US 2. A new bikepath will be provided along the length of the Bypass.

  The US 2 North segment is entering the final design stage and is also beginning to acquire the right-of-way. This project will continue the four-lane bypass from the signal with US 2 built with US 2 south segment. As part of this project, Two Mile and Three Mile Drives will be reconstructed to cross above the Bypass on two new bridges. The Bypass will cross above Reserve Loop, just west of the large power lines. Ramps will connect the Bypass to Reserve Loop at two, new signalized intersections. The north end of the Bypass intersects with US 93 at the west leg of the Reserve Drive intersection. Reserve Drive will be widened to the east, between US 93 and the Stillwater River bridge while west of US 93; Reserve Drive will no longer connect to US 93.

  Copies of the final re-evaluation document are available for review at the City of Kalispell Planning Department, the local MDT Kalispell office and on this web site.

NEXT STEPS
  Complete final design of the US 2 South project with construction planned when construction funding is secured.

  MDT will continue to purchase the Bypass right-of-way with an emphasis on areas within the south segment.

Future meetings will inform landowners, agencies or special interest groups of design and construction near their properties.