Learn about new bridge at open house

The Bigfork village will have a new downtown bridge in 2024. Before crews break ground, the Montana Department of Transportation wants to hear from residents regarding plans to replace the iconic steel truss Bridge Street Bridge that connects Bigfork to Montana 35.

Two open houses are planned next week, with the option to attend virtually or in-person.

“As a resident of the area myself, I understand the cultural significance of this bridge,” Bob Vosen, Montana Department of Transportation District Administrator, said. “These events give my neighbors a chance to learn more about our plans, which were made with community feedback in mind. We look forward to continuing the conversation with residents through these events.”

The in-person event will be held at the Bigfork High School Community Room located at 600 Commerce Street on Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees can expect an open room format with display boards and project plans. Staff will be available to collect feedback and answer questions. No formal presentation will be made and all are welcome to attend any time between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

The virtual event will be held on Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 12, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required to gain access information for the meeting. Attendees can expect a PowerPoint presentation followed by a question-and-answer period and opportunity to provide comments. To register to attend, visit bitly.com/bsbfopenhouse.

According to the transportation department, the current bridge on Bridge Street is old and cannot handle large or heavy loads. The state is replacing this structure with one that will allow for heavier loads, including emergency vehicles, and honor the past bridge with a matching steel truss shape, a single travel lane, and a walkway. Construction is anticipated to start in 2024.

“This bridge over the Swan River is a symbol of community pride, and many feel protective over this beautiful piece of history,” Vosen explained. “MDT understands that, and that’s why public attendance at these events is so important. We need public feedback to ensure that we’re both making the needed safety improvements and matching the community’s vision.”

Those who cannot attend the event can still provide comments by contacting Amy Aiello at Amy@Bigskypublicrelations.com or by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the project, visit www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/bigforkbridge.

The Department of Transportation will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the open house or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the Department of Transportation no later than August 2 to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Matt Maze, Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620; telephone (406) 444-5416; Montana Relay 711; facsimile (406) 444-7243; or e-mail to mmaze@mt.gov.