Spring is in full swing, and so is road construction season across Flathead County. Our Road and Bridge Department is already hard at work, making key improvements along our roadways to enhance safety and infrastructure. One significant upgrade is the installation of 688 feet of guardrail just north of Rust Haven Drive along East Lakeshore Drive, a stretch notorious for its sharp turns, steep embankments, and high-risk crash zones.
If you’ve ever driven this route, you know the section well, where the road narrows, the speed limit drops to 25 MPH, and signs warn drivers to proceed with caution. Over the past six years, six accidents have occurred along this short span, with several vehicles careening off the road and down the embankment toward two residential properties. Alcohol was a contributing factor in many of these crashes.
While scouting the area with Public Works Director Dave Prunty, we inspected the new guardrails, and one of the nearby homeowners came out to shout a heartfelt ‘thank you!’ for the added protection. For those who live along this hazardous stretch, the new guardrails are a game changer.
Not only do these guardrails provide a critical safety barrier, but they also represent a substantial upgrade over what was previously in place, which was, in most cases, nothing. The Flathead County Road Department has recently committed to using galvanized steel posts for guardrail installations, a transition from the older wooden posts. Why the switch? Galvanized steel offers superior corrosion resistance, protecting against environmental wear and significantly extending the lifespan of these safety features.
Additionally, steel posts are far more effective in absorbing and redirecting vehicle impacts, minimizing damage and reducing the risk of severe crashes. Composite materials are now being used for blockouts (the spacers between the post and the rail) to prevent vehicle snagging and further enhance the guardrail’s performance.
These upgrades were made possible through strategic investments, including the purchase of a post pounder in fiscal year 2023-24 and hands-on training with Poteet Construction last year. The training allowed our crew to shadow Poteet’s team as they worked on another East Lakeshore project, ensuring our staff is well-equipped to install these improved systems safely and effectively.
The impact of these infrastructure investments extends beyond a single stretch of road. They reflect Flathead County’s ongoing commitment to public safety and our dedication to proactively addressing hazards along our roadways. As we continue through the spring construction season, keep an eye out for crews working to make our roads safer — one mile at a time.