US 93 reconstruction project resumes

By B.L. Azure

The highway in Arlee is not the only road getting reconstructed. The east-west streets on both ends of town are also being reconstructed. (B.L. Azure photo)

ARLEE — There back. The heavy equipment and highway construction workers are out in force now along the U.S. Highway 93 reconstruction project in the Arlee and Evaro areas.

Reconstruction work is progressing on two sections: the Evaro to McClure Road section, and the McClure Road to north of Arlee couplet section. Motorists on Highway should be aware of the reduced speed limits, temporary stoplights, construction equipment entering and exiting the highway, flaggers and other construction-related employees.

Work in the areas began March 9 and crews for the time being will work the traditional five-day workweek from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• The Evaro to McClure Road project begins at U.S. Highway 93 milepost 6.4 atop Evaro Hill and extends north through Evaro onto the Flathead Indian Reservation ending at U.S. 93 milepost 12.8.

The project consists of re-construction resulting in the extension of about 1.4 miles of the four-lane undivided roadway, two-lane roadway with turn lanes, and alternating passing lanes for north and southbound traffic.

There will also be the relocation of approximately one mile of MRL Railroad line in Evaro. Ten wildlife crossing structures, a new bridge over the MRL Railroad tracks near the Grey Wolf Peak Casino, formally Joe’s Smoke Ring and one wildlife over-crossing will be built.

A box culvert will be installed at the north end of the project, traffic control will be in place and the public can expect reduced speed and short delays.

An earth scraper fuels up while work goes on all around on the Arlee couplet section of the reconstruction project. (B.L. Azure photo)

The public is advised to watch for trucks entering the roadway on the south end of the project at Evaro; expect reduced speeds and short delays.

• The McClure Road to North of Arlee Couplet project begins at the U.S. 93 milepost 12.75 and extends north through Arlee ending at milepost 18.5.

The section project will consist of re-construction resulting in two-lane roadway with alternating passing lanes for north and southbound traffic.

Construction of a divided four lane roadway and couplet in Arlee as well as streetscape improvements increasing pedestrian safety and use will be installed in Arlee.

Reconstruction is underway, expect reduced speed limits 35 mph and minimal delays.

Once the two sections are completed U.S. Highway 93 will be reconstructed from Evaro to Red Horn Road, near the 44 bar and from north of Ronan near Spring Creek to the junction of U.S. 93 and Montana 35 near Polson.

The north of Ronan to Red Horn Road is the sole remaining section of the project that remains to be completed.