A smoother surface and a return to some two-lane travel are expected to bring reprieve to drivers passing through the U.S. 93 West of Whitefish construction zone this week.  

Except near retaining wall work, U.S. 93 was slated to return to two travel lanes on Saturday, Aug, 29, barring unforeseen circumstances including excessive groundwater during excavation activities. 

In an interview with the Pilot last month, Luke Francis, Montana Department of Transportation's Missoula District projects delivery engineer, said that pervasive groundwater has been challenging. It must be addressed immediately when found and has contributed to longer wait times.  

He cited high traffic volumes as the primary cause of longer wait times going through the one-way zone.  

Becca MacLean, a spokesperson for the project, addressed a community member's safety concerns via email last week. 

A video taken Sunday, Aug. 16 shared with the Whitefish Pilot showed two lines of traffic meeting head on in the one-way construction zone.  

According to MacLean, a motorhome ran a red light through the pilot car zone. 

MacLean said the team takes feedback seriously and as a result, requested more Highway Patrol presence and worked to create additional pullouts in single lane areas. 

MacLean also addressed safety concerns with emergency service vehicles. She said local EMS staff have the contractor's contact information so emergency vehicles can get through the work zone as quickly as possible.  

The rough road surface has also been challenging for traffic. Once excavation is complete in a week or two, U.S. 93 will be smoother because groundwater will become less of an issue, according to the latest project update.  

This week, crews continue to excavate and haul dirt between Little Mountain Road and Mountainside Drive. Crews will also begin building retaining walls, start roadway fill material activities and perform gravel work. 

Crews will not be onsite Friday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 7 due to Labor Day. 

Paving is anticipated to begin this fall and conclude by the end of this construction season, according to the project timeline.