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Project Overview

Bigfork is a popular 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, which spans the Swan River and connects the downtown area to Montana Highway 35 (MT 35).

The original steel truss bridge was constructed in 1911 by the American Bridge Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. As it aged, it experienced corrosion and other issues. Over the last several years, its condition led to the bridge being load posted at a 3-ton weight limit, which restricted larger vehicles from crossing. As time went on, the bridge’s condition continued to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in the closure of the bridge in January 2024.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) recently expedited the replacement of the aging Bridge Street structure with a similar one-lane steel truss bridge. Construction started in December 2024 and finished in late June 2025. Montana-based Battle Ridge Builders was the contractor for the project.

The completion of the new Bridge Street Bridge was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Bridge Street Bridge ribbon-cutting ceremony, Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Bridge Street Bridge ribbon-cutting ceremony, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Dawn May, Big Sky Public Relations)

Bridge Modernization

Through early public outreach and area studies regarding the original bridge’s replacement, MDT was 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 shared how essential it was to retain as much of the original character as possible.

As a result of this community feedback, MDT and Flathead County replaced the old structure with a bridge that maintains a similar iconic aesthetic, featuring a matching steel truss shape and a single travel lane.

Safety benefits incorporated:

Due to the condition of the old bridge, it was unable to handle large and heavy loads. Truck drivers and emergency response vehicles had to route around the bridge. The new structure can 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 also provides a sidewalk that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Also, Flathead County is better able to perform regular maintenance and snow removal on the bridge.

Rendering of the new Bridge Street Bridge