To celebrate the Bridge Street Bridge’s longstanding service to the Bigfork community and provide details about the upcoming replacement project, MDT is hosting an open house at Bigfork High School on Thursday, November 21. Join us to learn about bridge replacement activities anticipated to begin this winter. This is your opportunity to meet the project team and directly ask them questions.
Thursday, November 21
4:30 to 7 p.m.
Bigfork High School Foyer
600 Commerce Street, Bigfork, MT 59911
Celebrate the history of the Bridge Street Bridge by viewing photos and a slide show presented by the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center during the open house. 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, we 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.
If you have questions, email
Project Overview
Bigfork is a top tourist destination in northwestern Montana and a bustling hometown for many. The community is known for its local charm, with one of the iconic landmarks being the steel truss Bridge Street Bridge over the Swan River, connecting the downtown area to Montana Highway 35 (MT 35).
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is working to replace the aging Bridge Street structure with a similar one-lane steel truss bridge. Bridge replacement activities are anticipated to begin this winter.
Bridge Closure
The Bridge Street Bridge was closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, due to structural concerns identified during a routine inspection. It will remain closed until the bridge is replaced.
The closure only affects the areas immediately next to the bridge and the bridge itself. The entrances of area residences and businesses will not be affected.
Pedestrians and vehicles must use Grand Drive to access downtown Bigfork. Sliter’s Park and other destinations southwest of the bridge can be accessed using Bridge Street from the Montana Highway 209 (MT 209) or MT 35 turn-offs.
Construction Timeline
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025. This timeline is subject to change due to factors such as funding availability, availability of contractors, and other unforeseen issues.
The bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during construction. Minimal road work will be needed to tie the existing roadway into the new bridge.
The project is anticipated to be completed in one construction season; however, it could take longer due to project site constraints and complexities. A more accurate estimate will be available as we get closer to construction.
Why Does the Bridge Need to be Replaced?
Opened to the public in 1912, the bridge is experiencing corrosion and other issues due to its age. Its condition has resulted in the bridge being load posted at a 3-ton weight limit for the last several years, which restricted larger vehicles from using the bridge. As time passed, the bridge’s condition continued to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in the current closure of the bridge.
The bridge, which is owned and maintained by Flathead County, also requires special maintenance. Currently, Flathead County crews cannot use regular large equipment to clear the structure of snow.
Bridge Modernization
Through early public outreach and area studies, MDT has been told time and again how important this bridge is to the community. The Bridge Street Bridge not only carries traffic but a sense of community pride, and residents have shared how essential it is to retain as much of the original character as possible.
As a result of this community feedback, MDT and Flathead County will be replacing the current structure with a bridge that maintains a similar iconic aesthetic and features a matching steel truss shape and single travel lane. The new bridge will be approximately the same length as the current 120-foot structure, and the location of the bridge will not change.
Safety benefits will also be incorporated:
Due to the condition of the current bridge, it cannot handle large and heavy loads. Truck drivers and emergency response vehicles must route around the bridge. After construction, the new structure will be able to accommodate fire trucks and ambulances, providing safety benefits for the community by allowing these responders to have a second access point to downtown Bigfork.
The updated bridge will provide a sidewalk that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Also, once construction has been completed, Flathead County will be able to better perform regular maintenance and snow removal on the bridge.
Bigfork Bridge History
The existing bridge was built in 1911 by the American Bridge Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A pedestrian walkway outside the truss on the upstream side was added at an unknown time. This bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
The public is encouraged to reach out with thoughts and questions by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing