North Fork of the Flathead River Blankenship & Belton Stage Road Resurfacing Project Description: This project is being administered by the Federal Highway Administration Western Federal Lands Highway Division, in partnership with Flathead National Forest, US Border Patrol and Flathead County. The project will provide an improved travel surface and replacement of existing culverts on sections of Belton Stage Road, Blankenship Road, and the last 5 miles of North Fork Road and Glacier Drive between Polebridge and Polebridge Ranger Station in Glacier National Park.
Surface Conditions: Current road conditions consist of existing aggregate surface course.
Current and Upcoming Work: Brice Contractors has begun mobilization for this project. Survey crews are on location placing grade and slope stakes. Arrival of construction equipment and materials are expected soon and will occupy pull-out areas within the right-of-way. Installation of stormwater Best Management Practices are expected to be completed soon, and will facilitate earth disturbing activities beginning in the Belton Stage and Blankenship Road areas. Upcoming work will start on sections of the Belton and Blankenship Road starting with culvert replacements and reshaping of the current road in preparation for placement of millings for final surface. Vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles use extreme caution when traveling through these sections.
Traffic Delays: Partial width closures and maximum of 30 minute delays should be anticipated when traveling within the project limits. Full closure of the North Fork Road will begin August 6, 2023, approx. 5 miles south of the Canadian border. The North Fork Road will remain closed until completion in October 2023
*The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for this project is available for viewing upon request. See SWPPP information posted at Belton Stage Rd. off Hwy 2.
For more information: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/projects/mt/flathead-486-1