MDT to host open house for Bigfork Bridge ahead of construction

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will begin work to replace the Bridge Street Bridge with a new single-lane steel truss bridge this winter and is hosting an open house to celebrate the 100-year-old downtown fixture and share details about the upcoming project next week.  

“We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone with the Bigfork community and share details regarding the upcoming bridge replacement,” Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said. “The progress of this project following the bridge’s closure has resulted from a true team effort thanks to the dedication of MDT and Flathead County employees, along with the collaboration of several agencies and utility companies.” 

MDT and Flathead County closed the Bridge Street Bridge in early 2024 in response to an inspection and other analysis that determined the structure could no longer reliably carry vehicle or pedestrian traffic. The Bridge Street Bridge has severe corrosion issues, and its condition is beyond simple or temporary repairs. MDT and the County have been working to expedite the replacement schedule, a process that has been challenging due to many complex issues, including complicated engineering, utility relocations, right-of-way coordination, and environmental clearances. 

The in-person event will be held at Bigfork High School, at 600 Commerce Street on Thursday, November 21, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. No formal presentation will be made; all are welcome to stop by any time during the event. Renderings of the new bridge and information about the project will be displayed. The project team will be available to answer any questions during the open house. 

 The historic Bridge Street Bridge will be celebrated by a photo display and slide show presented by the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center. There will also be fun activities for kids and bridge-themed goodies for everyone to enjoy!  

As part of our community celebration and in the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, MDT will be supporting the Bigfork Food Bank by collecting non-perishable food donations at the event. While we encourage contributions, a donation is not required for participation.  

The Bridge Street Bridge construction timeline is subject to change due to factors such as weather, material availability, and other unforeseen issues. Once work begins, project progress will be shared weekly via email, webpage, and text message. To receive text updates, text BIGFORKBRIDGE to 41411. To subscribe for email updates, email sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com.  

For questions or concerns, contact Sloane Stinson at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484 during business hours. For more information on the Bridge Street-Bigfork project, visit www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/bigforkbridge/.