The reconstruction of West Seventh Street in Whitefish began Monday.

The natural gas, electric, telephone and cable utilities have already started work in preparation for the project, according to Whitefish City Manager Chuck Stearns.

Steep intersections will be improved, the roadway will be realigned, and an off-street pedestrian path and sidewalk will be installed, all in an effort to make the city street safer for both drivers and pedestrians. The $2.8 million reconstruction project is being funded with resort tax dollars.

Construction is expected to be completed in September.

The road will be reconstructed from Baker Avenue to Fairway Drive. The plan breaks the road into four distinct areas, which becomes more rural farther to the west. The road will be rebuilt with new curbs along a portion of the project and new street lights.

The off-street path will be 10-feet wide constructed of asphalt from Karrow to Geddes and from Geddes to Baker the path will be 8-feet wide constructed of concrete. In addition, a path will connect from Geddes Avenue heading north and ending near the intersection of Flint Avenue and West Sixth Street.

LHC Inc. is the contractor and plans to have two work crews on the project. Work will begin west of Karrow Avenue and also in the gully for the pedestrian and bicycle path.

Sewer, water and stormwater will also be replaced or extended throughout the project.