Construction crews this week began working longer hours on the Whitefish U.S. 93 West reconstruction project.

General contractor Schellinger Construction says the new hours — 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. — will allow crews to complete construction during hours with lower traffic.

Work previously ran from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Commuters are advised to choose alternate routes or plan for delays and occasional one-lane traffic during construction hours.

“As a local construction company, it is our goal to treat the residents of Whitefish as our neighbors,” said Marc Blanden, project manager for Schellinger Construction. “Minimizing delays is important to everyone impacted by the project and so it is a top priority for Schellinger Construction. With this and other initiatives, we will continue to seek out ways to best serve the community throughout the duration of this project.”

Upon completion of work, the Karrow-to-Mountainside project will deliver a wider highway, new bike paths and sidewalks. Additionally, the project includes a new storm drain system, water system, and sanitary sewer system.

For more information, go to http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/karrow. Additionally, a meeting will be held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at 2005 Lion Mountain Road and the public is invited.