Tree clearing along U.S. 93 west of Whitefish is set to begin the middle of this month.  

Work is slated for the section of highway starting near the intersection with Mountainside Drive and continuing west for approximately 3 miles, ending just past Livermore Flats.

The Montana Department of Transportation, in partnership with T&S Cheff Construction, is conducting the work to create space for highway construction.  

Crews will begin work at the north end of the project corridor, near Livermore Flats, and will move south on U.S. 93. Drivers can expect one-way traffic Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic control will be in place with pilot cars and stop signs. Expect reduced speeds of 35 mph and delays of up to 15 minutes. Follow all posted signage and watch for workers and equipment. 

Construction is scheduled to begin later this spring. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors. 

“We know this is a highly awaited project and appreciate the public’s patience during the process of tree clearing,” states Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District administrator. “This is an essential part of the process to reconstruct this section of US 93.” 

Due to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, MDT has a specific timeframe to complete tree clearing work. The act prohibits the disturbance of protected migratory bird species including disturbing nests once they are active. The department schedules activities to avoid this, which means vegetation clearing may start well in advance of construction, according to a release.  

Planned safety enhancements for the U.S. 93 west of Whitefish project include a new driving surface, designated turn lanes, guardrail, wider shoulders, new signage, and a separated shared-use path with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant handrails and detectable warning devices. 

For more information about the U.S. 93 West of Whitefish project, including construction schedules and to sign up for updates, contact Dawn May at [email protected] or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

To sign up for text updates, text 93WESTWHITEFISH to 41411.