Sportsman’s Bridge project will begin with new fishing access site

Montana Department of Transportation has announced significant progress on the Bigfork Sportsman’s Bridge project, with plans largely complete. The first step in the process will be construction of a new fishing access site on the west side of the Flathead River off Oldenberg Road.  

“After recent delays, we are excited to have this project moving forward,” Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said in a press release. “Construction of the new bridge is anticipated to begin in 2025, once the new fishing access site has been built.”

Once the FAS is operational, bridge construction will begin. This schedule is subject to change due to funding availability, contractor availability, economic conditions, and other unforeseen factors. 

The new bridge will be built to the south of the current structure, which will remain open during construction to reduce traffic impacts. To create space for the construction of the new bridge, the new westside FAS will be constructed first, and the current eastside FAS demolished. This also ensures that the public has continued access to the Flathead River during bridge construction.  

Before construction begins, MDT will host an open house where the community can view final plans, learn more about the upcoming construction, and meet and ask questions directly to the project team. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to reach out with questions and concerns by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com.