People interested in a project to rebuild 13th Street West, Fourth Avenue West and 7th Street to Columbia Falls City Hall are encouraged to attend an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at city hall from 5 to 7 p.m.

City leaders along with  Jacobs and WGM Group, has begun the design phase for the project, which is formally called the Columbia Falls Gateway to Glacier Safety and Mobility Improvement Project. 

 “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, City of Columbia Falls Interim Manager.

 The Gateway to Glacier Safety and Mobility Improvement Project will utilize the $10 million federal RAISE grant funds awarded to the City of 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 area, which is heavily traveled by the public as the route serves two of Columbia Falls’ schools.

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

 For more information about the Columbia Falls Gateway to Glacier Safety and Mobility Plan project, including construction schedules and updates, visit the project webpage at https://www.columbiafallsgatewaytoglacier.com.