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.
Construction Timeline
Work to replace the Bridge Street Bridge is currently underway.
Montana-based contractor Battle Ridge Builders was awarded the project. Their crews are scheduled to be on-site Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To expedite completion, work may also occur on Saturdays and during night and early morning hours. All work is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
We understand residents and visitors will want to visit the project site to see how work is progressing. Please follow all traffic control and posted safety signs. Keep a safe distance from work and equipment.
During construction, the entrances of Bridge Street residences and businesses will not be affected. Sliter’s Park will be used as a staging area for construction and will be closed to the public until the project is complete.
Pedestrians and vehicles must use Grand Drive to access downtown Bigfork. Destinations southwest of the bridge can be accessed using Bridge Street from the Montana Highway 209 (MT 209) or MT 35 turn-offs.
The project is anticipated to be completed by June 30, 2025. This schedule is subject to change due to weather, site complexities, and other unforeseen factors.
Why Does the Bridge Need to be Replaced?
Opened to the public in 1912, the bridge experienced corrosion and other issues due to its age. Its condition 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 closure of the bridge in January 2024.
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 are 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.
Rendering of the new Bridge Street Bridge
This rendering of the new Bridge Street Bridge is a preliminary representation of the bridge design and is intended for general informational purposes. The final design of the structure may vary.
Safety benefits will also be incorporated:
Due to the condition of the bridge, it was not able to handle large and heavy loads. Truck drivers and emergency response vehicles had to 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).