The Montana Department of Transportation is proposing the addition of upgraded sidewalks near the Secondary Highway 206 and U.S. Highway 2 intersection.

It’s part of a larger project to widen and improve Highway 206 that will start next year.

It has an estimated price tag of about $9 million.

The newly identified improvements will be included and constructed in conjunction with the previously proposed improvements identified as part of MDT’s Highway 206 Safety Improvements Project. The project begins at the junction of Montana Highway 35, about seven miles east of Kalispell, and extends north for 9.7 miles ending at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 near Columbia Falls.

Improvements planned for 206 include:

• Widening the shoulders to four feet.

• Flattening the steep slopes on the sides of the road.

• Installing guardrail.

• Adding new mailbox turnouts.

• Constructing upgraded sidewalks at the “Park and Ride” located at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 206.

• Resurfacing and chip sealing the roadway.

• Installing centerline and shoulder rumble strips.

Construction of the project is tentatively planned to begin in 2021 and is expected to take two construction seasons to complete. The construction schedule is dependent on the completion of all project development activities and availability of funding.

For more information about the project, visit: www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/secondary206. Questions and comments can be directed to Brandon Coates at Brandon@rbci.net or by phone at (406) 465-3350.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-9229. Those using a TTY may call 1(800)335-7592 or through the Montana Relay Service at 711.