US 93 Whitefish West Summary of the Current Proposed Action - November 2007
The following is a description of the current proposed action for the US 93 Whitefish West project. The design is based on the 1994 US 93 Somers to Whitefish West Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), and was modified based on input from the Citizens Working Group, City of Whitefish, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Scope of Work
The proposed scope of work for the U.S. 93 Whitefish West project is to reconstruct and widen the existing highway in order improve the safety and operations for the traveling public. The work will include the following:
- bridge replacement
- clearing, grubbing, rock blasting, and grading
- storm drainage
- curb, gutter, and sidewalks
- bike/pedestrian path
- replacement of the golf course underpass
- asphalt paving
- signing and striping
- landscaping and irrigation
- entry sign at State Park Road
- raised medians
- lighting
- retaining wall, guardrail, fencing, and
other miscellaneous items - right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation
- limited access control
Project Location and Limits
The project begins in Whitefish on Second Street, 48 meters (160 feet) west of the Baker Street intersection. It extends westerly 8.3 kilometers (5.2 miles) to milepost 133, west of Twin Bridges Road.
Major Design Features
The Whitefish West project was developed according to the appropriate geometric design standards for urban and rural principal arterials (National Highway System). The portion of the project that was developed to urban standards was defined based on current development patterns and the City of Whitefish sewer and water service area, and extends to just west of Grouse Mountain Road. The remainder of the project was developed to rural standards.
Typical Sections
The design is a three-lane roadway with curb and gutter including a two-way-left-turn-lane or raised median from Lupfer to Grouse Mountain Road. The design is a two-lane road with raised medians from Karrow to State Park Road. The design is a two-lane roadway with shoulders from Grouse Mountain Road to the end of the project. The design includes left and right turn lanes at appropriate intersections, and a truck-climbing lane for westbound traffic approaching Whitefish Hills Road.Horizontal Alignment
From the beginning of the project to State Park Road, the proposed horizontal alignment generally follows the existing centerline with minor shifts to best fit with the existing right of way and adjacent development. West of State Park Road, the alignment is shifted up to 25 meters (82 feet) from the existing centerline to meet the geometric design standards, minimize impacts to residences, businesses, wetlands, lakes, utilities, and to facilitate traffic control during construction.Vertical Alignment
The proposed vertical alignment is adjusted to improve sight distance to the extent possible, while seeking to minimize impacts on adjacent development and maintain access to adjoining properties. This results in cuts and fills of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in from Lupfer to Grouse Mountain Road, and 8 meters (27 feet) west of Grouse Mountain Road.Bridges and Retaining Walls
The Second Street Bridge over the Whitefish River will be replaced with a new bridge, including sidewalks on both sides and a provision for a future bike/pedestrian underpass. Retaining walls will be required at numerous locations to avoid impacts to adjacent properties. Aesthetic treatments will be considered in final design. If natural stone facing or other special treatments are desired, additional funding from the City may be required.Bike/Pedestrian Facilities
Sidewalks are proposed on both sides of the roadway from Lupfer to Karrow Ave. Boulevards will be provided where feasible. A separated path is proposed on one side west of State Park Road. A new underpass is proposed at the Golf Course. A second underpass west of Skyles Lake will be considered, depending on the availability of funding.Lighting
Street lighting is proposed between Lupfer and Grouse Mountain Road. Lighting will be designed to meet City of Whitefish lighting ordinances. Decorative lighting, or other special treatments, will be considered in final design, but may require additional funding from the City.Landscaping and Irrigation
Landscaping and irrigation will be designed in coordination with the City Parks Department. A landscaped entry sign is proposed near State Park Road. Median and boulevard landscaping are also proposed. Maintenance will be the City’s responsibility.
The major design features are the fundamental elements of the current proposed action. Specific design details will be incorporated into the final design.
Current Proposed Action Plan Sheets - November 2007
You can review all the individual sheets in one document by clicking the link below. Please beaware that the file is large (11+MB), and will take a while to open.
All Current Proposed Action Plan Sheets
Current Proposed Action Plan Sheets are posted using Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. To view the graphics, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. To get the latest version, click the icon below.
