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Whitefish council authorizes bids for Armory Park parking and Armory Road reconstruction

Whitefish City Council · February 18, 2026

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Summary

Council authorized bidding for Armory Park parking/open space and approved preliminary design and bidding for the Armory Road reconstruction project (two 11-ft lanes, 8-ft shared-use path, raised median), with estimated costs of about $493,734 for the park phase and $6.4 million (including 20% contingency) for the road.

The Whitefish City Council on Feb. 17 authorized staff to bid construction of the Armory Park parking lot and open space and approved the conceptual design and bid authorization for the Armory Road reconstruction project.

Parks staff said the Armory Park parking/open space package has a current preliminary construction cost of about $493,734; FY26 CIP has identified $792,000 in resort tax dollars and an additional $500,000 is slated in FY27. Staff proposed advertising bids in March with construction starting in May and substantial completion by Oct. 30.

Public works Director Craig presented the Armory Road concept after a multi-year outreach process. Given corridor constraints, engineers proposed two 11-foot travel lanes and an 8-foot shared-use path on one side, a raised median on the curve for traffic calming, city-standard dark-sky LED lighting, and closure of the corridor to through traffic during the construction season. The estimated construction cost is approximately $6.4 million (including about a 20% contingency). An additive alternate to remove the Cow Creek bridge and widen East 2nd Street sidewalk was estimated at about $150,000.

Council discussion noted the cost and complexity of the project, potential bidder pool limitations due to bonding capacity, and the desire to explore extending shared-paths farther east in the future. Councilors approved the design and authorized bidding; staff will complete 90% design review prior to advertisements and return for contract award when bids are received.

Audience members earlier had expressed neighborhood support for the Armory Road concept and asked for timely construction to address safety and access.