Good afternoon and happy road construction season, Flathead Valley! I’m Maggie Dresser, here with a Thursday road report. I can confirm that roadwork is underway and blocking the east entrance of the Beacon HQ on First Avenue East North while the sprinkling of orange traffic cones across the valley is testing the patience of motorists everywhere.

And while I’m sick of traffic delays and reroutes as much as the next road rage-inflicted driver, the recently announced plans to begin roundabout construction at the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Conrad Drive next month has triggered not an emotion of rage – but of gratitude.

There are few topics that receive more civic engagement in the comments section of a Flathead Beacon Facebook post than a story centered around the controversial roundabout. But the impassioned dialogue doesn’t stop on the internet –  I’ve attended a slew of public open houses hosted by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) where officials try to get ahead of those critical of the traffic control measure.

First unveiled in 2019, MDT hosted open houses years later in 2024 where they heard mixed feedback about the project, with some “very opposed” and others “open to the possibility” of a potential roundabout.

With posters and webpages dedicated to roundabout education, MDT officials have explained the benefits under the “Why a Roundabout?” section on the Woodland Avenue and Conrad Drive intersection project description, which includes information about enhanced safety such as improved visibility, reduction of vehicle conflict points and improved traffic flow.

According to the Department of Transportation, roundabouts can reduce fatal and serious injuries by up to 82% due to the forcing of slower speeds and the absence of left turns that result in T-bones. Traffic delays are also reduced by up to 74%.

If you’ve driven through the Woodland Avenue and Conrad Drive intersection, you’ve assumed the risks that currently exist. The confusing crossroads includes three stop signs while westbound traffic has the right of way and does not stop while drivers encounter multiple blind spots. I fear for my life during my nearly daily travels through this malfunction junction in front of the Conrad Mansion.

In a partnership with the City of Kalispell and MDT, construction crews have already begun working on the single-lane roundabout at the Woodland Avenue and Second Street East/Conrad Drive intersection, which will close to traffic starting in early August. Detours and alternate routes will guide drivers around the intersection, which Schellinger Construction crews are scheduled to complete in the fall of 2027.

“We’re eager to move this project forward to improve safety and traffic flow at a busy intersection,” MDT District 1 Administrator John Schmidt said in a press release. “Roundabouts are proven to reduce serious crashes, and this investment will help enhance safety at this intersection for everyone who travels through it.”

Pedestrian and bicycle crossings will also be improved with shorter crossing distances and fewer conflict points while a truck apron will be included in the design to allow larger vehicles to maneuver through the intersection.

Here’s the rest of the Daily Roundabout.