Columbia Falls has begun the design phase for the Columbia Falls Gateway to Glacier Safety and Mobility Improvement Project. 

The city is hosting an open house to share design concepts, project information, and gather community feedback. The open house will be held on Wednesday, Feb.19, from 5 -7 p.m. at the Columbia Falls City Hall at 130 6th St West. 

“We are looking forward to the significant positive impacts this project will bring to our city for years to come, including safety, roadway and sidewalk improvements, and an upgraded water main,” said Mark Shrives, Columbia Falls interim city manager. 

The Gateway to Glacier Safety and Mobility Improvement Project will use the $10 million RAISE grant funds awarded to Columbia Falls in 2022. The project consists of reconstructing 1.3 miles of roadway, installing 1.7 miles of sidewalks, and adding 1 mile of shared-use paths. Improvements will include upgrades to multiple intersections, as well as parking improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility in the downtown area. 

The project also includes installing a new watermain under the roadway to improve efficiency and reduce water loss. Construction is anticipated to begin in late fall. 

The city is working in partnership with Jacobs and WGM Group on the project. 

For more information about the project, including construction schedules and updates, visit columbiafallsgatewaytoglacier.com.

Those interested in receiving updates on the project should contact Dawn May at dawn@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.