Starting in early August, Woodland Avenue's intersection with Second Street East and Conrad Drive will be closed for construction of a single-lane roundabout.  

Road work will kick off on July 21, and is expected to wrap up in the fall of 2027, according to a July 16 announcement from the Montana Department of Transportation.  

Clearly marked detours and alternate routes will guide motorists around the closure, and access to nearby properties will still be provided.  

The concept of a rotary for the awkward intersection was first introduced in 2019 after a feasibility study to determine improvements. 

The state agency and Kalispell city officials selected a single-lane roundabout in 2020 as the best long-term solution to improving safety and traffic flow, according to the announcement.  

The intersection currently includes a three-way stop. Vehicles traveling through the intersection from Conrad Drive do not stop. 

The changes are intended to enhance safety at the intersection by improving visibility of oncoming vehicles, reducing conflict points, and slowing traffic speeds. It will also shorten crossing distances for pedestrians and bicycles, minimizing potential crashes. 

The city is partnering with the Montana Department of Transportation and contractor Schellinger Construction on the project.  

To learn more about the project, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/woodland.  

The state Department will share project updates throughout construction via email, text messages, and on the project webpage. To subscribe to email updates or ask questions, contact Sloane at [email protected] or call 406-207-4484 during business hours.  

To subscribe to text/SMS notifications, text woodland to 406-302-9922. 

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.