Friday, March 29, 2024
35.0°F

Clark Fork River Bridge work to begin soon

by Clark Fork Valley Press
| April 2, 2020 11:24 AM

The Montana Department of Transportation will begin construction in early April to fix and replace the Clark Fork River Bridge on Montana 200.

The bridge is located about one mile north of Trout Creek. Construction is expected to be completed by the fall 2020.

“MDT and our prime contractor Kiewit are committed to completing construction as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible,” said Missoula District Construction Engineer John Schmidt. “We are using several methods to accelerate construction and minimize impacts to the community of Trout Creek and the traveling public.”

To expedite construction, construction will include placing precast concrete deck panels during a full closure of the bridge.

The closure is expected to begin after school is out in late May or early June and last for six consecutive weeks.

Kiewit is also planning to work night and weekend shifts when practical and safe.

Other than when the bridge is fully closed (June through mid-July), motorists should expect traffic to be reduced to one alternating lane through the construction area and up to 15-minute delays across the bridge.

Built in 1958, the bridge needs new concrete decking, improvements of miscellaneous structural components, new traffic rails, and spot painting of existing steel girders.

The remainder of the bridge remains in good condition and will not be replaced.

In addition to bridge rehabilitation, the project will include roadway approach work near the bridge ends to replace the existing guardrail and tie into the new bridge deck.

The Department of Transportation has been coordinating with local emergency services, including law enforcement, fire, and ambulance, in addition to the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Postal Service, and Sanders County solid waste, for their input and to keep them apprised of the project so that they can address appropriate coverage and services when the bridge is closed to traffic.

River access under the bridge and public boat launches will remain open throughout construction.

“Communication with the public during construction is a high priority,” said Schmidt. “We will provide regular construction updates to keep the public informed throughout construction.”

To sign up for construction email updates, text TROUTCREEK to 22828.

Questions and comments can be sent to Brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350.

More information and project updates can be found at:

www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/clarkforkbridge

Recent Headlines