Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council awards Phase 2 of Monaghan Road reconstruction to Knife River
Summary
Knife River was awarded the Monaghan Road Phase 2 reconstruction contract for $938,904.50; part of the project depends on a district‑court recognition of the county road route for an adjacent strip of land.
The Whitefish City Council directed staff Sept. 2 to accept bids and award the Phase 2 Monaghan Road reconstruction contract to Knife River for $938,904.50. The low bid was roughly 15% below the engineer’s estimate and within the city’s FY26 budget of $1.3 million sourced from the gas tax, stormwater, and street funds.
Why it matters: Phase 2 reconstructs a segment of Monaghan Road and required resolving a 10‑foot strip of land that encroaches on private property. The land issue is being handled through a Flathead County court procedure — a recognition of county road route — with a hearing scheduled for Oct. 7; the city bid the work in two schedules so the portion it controls can proceed this fall while the remainder is contingent on the court outcome.
Public Works Director Craig said Knife River is a reputable contractor with experience on similar local work. If the court process does not produce the needed right‑of‑way, the city will not proceed with the remaining schedule; if the court ruling is favorable, the second schedule could be completed this fall or next spring.
The project budgeted $1.3 million for FY26; the Knife River award of $938,904.50 is below the budgeted amount and staff recommended the award. Council approved the award by voice vote.
What happens next: Staff will execute the contract and complete the phase of work not dependent on the outstanding right‑of‑way; the city will pursue the Oct. 7 court process to resolve the ownership of the 10‑foot strip needed to finish the remaining segment.
