Whitefish drivers have all season to enjoy fewer backups on Baker Avenue since traffic has returned to two lanes on Spokane Avenue while work on the watermain replacement project pauses for the winter.

An unusually warm and dry fall allowed work on the Spokane Avenue Watermain Replacement Project to proceed smoothly through September and October. The project includes the replacement of approximately 4,500 feet of six-inch old cast iron watermain with new 18-inch PVC watermain.

Replacement of curb stops and fire hydrants are required within the project limits. Additionally, the city will make ADA upgrades within the reconstruction of Spokane Avenue at the intersections of Fourth Street and Fifth Street according to the city’s plans.

After beginning the project at Spokane Avenue and 13th Street, phase one of the construction was expected to work its way north and complete half the distance but crews ended up getting 75% of the pipe in the ground.

To date, Sandry Construction has installed approximately 3,500 feet of watermain on Spokane Avenue, with about 1,000 feet remaining to complete the project.

In the spring of 2023, phase two of construction is scheduled for March and will proceed north on Spokane Avenue to the intersection of East Second Street.

“The project will help reduce lead in the system by eliminating old joints that are packed with lead rope,” said Whitefish Public Works Director Craig Workman. “The project will also reduce water loss, prevent future watermain breaks and increase fire flows throughout the entire distribution system.”

Replacement of the cast iron water main on Spokane Avenue will allow the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to make necessary improvements to this important corridor, thus increasing the safety of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, according to Workman.

“Final project completion is scheduled for late May 2023, at which point MDT is anticipated to complete a pavement maintenance project,” Workman added.

The age of the old, iron watermain is uncertain but Workman said, “The new pipe should give us about 100 years of service.”