Work on Bigfork bridge to begin this winter

Work to rebuild the Bridge Street Bridge in Bigfork is expected to begin this winter, according to state transportation officials.

The historic bridge, which crosses the Swan River and connects downtown Bigfork to Montana 35, was closed in January to foot and vehicle traffic after engineers discovered structural concerns. 

The new span will allow heavier loads, including emergency vehicles, and honors the past iconic bridge with a matching steel truss shape and single travel lane.

Contractor bids are anticipated to begin next week and the project will be awarded to a contractor in early November, the Montana Department of Transportation said in a press release.

While replacement of the bridge is anticipated to begin this winter, the schedule is subject to change due to contractor availability, environmental clearances, weather and other unforeseen factors. 

Utility relocation work has already begun. Northwestern Energy is currently working to relocate its gas line. Preparations to relocate the remaining utilities are also underway. All utilities are anticipated to be moved by early winter. 

“This is a critical step because utilities must be moved off the existing bridge before its removal and subsequent installation of the new bridge,” the press release states. 

An open house celebration is planned for Nov. 21, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Bigfork High School. At the event, the community will have the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming bridge replacement and ask questions directly to the project team. More details about the open house will be shared soon. 

During construction, updates will be distributed weekly via email, text message and on the project’s website. To receive text updates, text bigforkbridge to 41411. 

People with questions or concerns can contact Sloane Stinson at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the Bridge Street-Bigfork project, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/bigforkbridge.