BOZEMAN — Cyclists in Bozeman will soon see construction begin on the city’s new Bikefill project, but the work will also bring a temporary road closure along McIlhattan Road.
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Construction starts Monday and will close McIlhattan from near St. Andrews Drive to Valley View Veterinary Hospital through early November.
For longtime Bozeman resident Dede, the closure means adjusting a daily routine she has followed for years with her dog, Rufus.
“I’ve lived here for 30 years. I’ve seen Bozeman change an awful lot,” Dede said while visiting Snowfill Dog Park.
Dede said she visits the park every day.
“Usually around 10:30 with Rufus. And we do our route,” she said.
The pair have been walking the same route for the past six years.
“It’s fun. It’s good. Wonderful for the dogs. Healthy for me,” Dede said.
With the closure in place, Dede said she will have to take a detour to reach the park.
“It’ll take a little bit longer. I would have to go down Bridger Canyon Road to Griffin, turn right and go up Manley Road and come from the other direction,” she said.
Despite the inconvenience, Dede said she still plans to make the trip.
“Absolutely,” she said.
The closure is expected to remain in place until early November, a timeline that surprised her.
“I couldn’t believe it was going to be that long. I hope they pave it while they do it,” Dede said.
I have good news for you, Dede! According to Nick Ross, Bozeman’s director of transportation and engineering, paving is part of the project.
“We’re going to be rebuilding the gravel section. We’ll actually be moving it a few feet into the hillside. We’ll be paving that section of McIlhattan,” Ross said.
Ross said the road improvements will also include stormwater management upgrades and new guardrails leading to Bikefill.
“Bikefill is an awesome collaboration between the city of Bozeman and GVLT to build a really unique bicycle park,” Ross said.
The $6 million project is being built on a 66-acre site between the old landfill and Snowfill Dog Park. Plans for Bikefill include more than five miles of trails for riders of all ages and skill levels, along with dedicated parking with more than 100 spaces.
“I consider it more of a regional benefit, to be honest,” Ross said. “Both parks are going to be regional attractions that support enhanced quality of life for people in Bozeman, but also our friends in the county and all the way out to Belgrade.”
Although the closure will require visitors to access Snowfill Dog Park from Manley Road for the foreseeable future, Dede said she supports the project.
“I think it’s wonderful. My husband actually contributed to it,” she said. “It’s great for the community, for the young people who can do it. And I think it’s a wonderful addition to our growing city.”
For more information on Bikefill, visit this link: https://www.gvlt.org/bikefill
