Site work and paving for a bridge / tunnel in Kalispell, Montana. Working plans call for site work for a bridge / tunnel; and for paving for a bridge / tunnel.

Flathead County has identified four bridges in need of rehabilitation and replacement due to their age and condition. The bridges have various deficiencies that must be addressed in the near future; however, all are currently deemed safe for public use by recent inspections. The bridges include: Baker Avenue bridge crossing the Whitefish River Delrey Road bridge crossing Swift Creek Kiwanis Lane bridge crossing the Flathead River (aka Dry Creek Bridge) Whitefish Stage Road bridge crossing the Stillwater River In 2022, Flathead County received a Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Planning Grant through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to study and recommend improvements for these four bridges. The resulting Planning Study was completed in July 2024 and included field studies, survey, structural and hydraulic examination, alternative analysis, benefit-cost analysis, pre-NEPA screening, preferred alternative selection, 30% preliminary designs, cost estimates, and public outreach. Based on extensive preliminary engineering efforts, the Planning Study recommended that Whitefish Stage, Delrey, and Kiwanis bridges be reconstructed in full, and the Baker bridge undergo rehabilitation of the deck and substructure. In 2022, Flathead County received a FHWA BIP Planning Grant of $240,000 (Flathead County contributed $60,000) to complete preliminary engineering efforts for the project. The Planning Study recommended that Delrey Road bridge, Kiwanis Lane bridge, and the Whitefish Stage Road bridge be reconstructed, and Baker Avenue bridge undergo rehabilitation of the deck and substructure. The full project is estimated to cost $19.1 million. Flathead County is actively working to secure funding for the project. In October 2024, Flathead County submitted a grant application to the FHWA BIP for $15.3 million. If awarded, Flathead County would contribute $2.8 million towards the project as grant match. The remaining $1 million, would be provided by Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) - funding MDT awarded to Flathead County in May 2024 to be applied toward a FHWA BIP grant match. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.