The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Knife River – Mountain West Division have paused work for the winter season on the US 93 West of Whitefish project.  

The project extends approximately three miles from the intersection of Mountainside Drive and just past Livermore Flats.  

The project is on track with its timeline and final completion is tentatively scheduled for summer 2027. Work will resume in spring 2026 when the ground has thawed enough.  

“It has been planned as a two-season project, and we’re on track,” said John Schmidt, MDT district project delivery engineer.  

“From mile 133 back towards Antler Ridge Road, we have most of the slope work done,” Schmidt said. “And we have a lot of the earthwork and clearing done, and everything that needed to be done to be ready for next year.”  

Schmidt said it was a great season this year and reported no major accidents in the construction zone. There were about 25-40 workers on site during busy days.  

“Folks were patient and kind in general, which makes everybody’s life significantly better, and safer in general,” he said.  

Now that construction is paused for winter, two-lane traffic will be maintained with reduced speeds of 45 mph. Snowplows will plow as usual. Drivers can expect small bumps, because there are sections that transition from new road underneath to old road, and the old road isn’t in good shape to begin with.  

In addition to the new driving surface, the completed project will include updates to designated turn lanes, guardrail, wider shoulders, new signage, and a separated shared-use path with ADA-compliant handrails and detectable warning devices. 

Project updates will continue when construction resumes in the spring. Updates will be distributed via email, webpage and text message. To receive text updates*, text 93WESTWHITEFISH to 41411. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/us93westwhitefish/. 

MDT has also provided updates on three other projects in the valley as work shifts for the winter season.  

In Kalispell, the Reserve Drive project from Hutton Ranch Road to Whitefish Stage Road has paused construction for winter and is scheduled to resume in the spring.  

MDT and Sletten Construction will continue work on replacing Sportsman’s Bridge on Montana Highway 82 (MT 82) northwest of Bigfork throughout the winter, as weather permits. Crews will focus on building the bridge’s foundation, which includes the piers in the waterway. Minimal traffic disruption is expected on MT 82, and speed limits will remain reduced to 35 mph within the project area.  

Work on US 93 at Treeline Road in Kalispell is substantially complete with final striping to be completed in the spring, MDT reports. Work at US 93 and Wyoming Street is fully complete.  

“Seasonal transitions are an important part of construction planning in Montana,” said Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula district administrator. “We appreciate the patience of Kalispell and other surrounding communities as we prepare these projects for safe winter travel.”