Noxon bridge assessed for repairs
A bridge on Montana 200 south of Noxon is being assessed for repairs. (Photo provided)
Bridges are divided into three parts. The deck, which is the part driven on. A super-structure, which holds the deck up, and then a sub-structure which takes the load from the super-structure and transfers it into the ground which is the foundation.
The Montana Department of Transportation Bridge Bureau is tasked with keeping Montana’s bridges safe, resilient, economical, and reliable. The Bridge Bureau has two sections: Bridge Management and Bridge Design.
The Bridge Management section inspects and maintains over 5,000 bridges throughout the state and guides maintenance for local agencies and jurisdictions. The Bridge Management section is responsible for conducting all inspections and evaluating needed repairs.
“Almost everything (bridge inspection) is on a 24-month cycle,” explains Stephanie Brandenberger, MDT Chief Bridge Engineer. “If we have a bridge we’re concerned about, we’ll put it on a six-month cycle or a 12-month cycle or even a three-month cycle depending on how fast we feel deterioration is happening.”
The Montana Department of Transportation is evaluating the Montana Rail Link bridge on Montana 200 located 2 miles south of Noxon. The bridge evaluation began with Phase I in 2020 and is now mid-way into Phase II which is presenting the design plans to the public with the finalization of them next year.
“This bridge is still safe to drive on, but it was originally constructed in 1957 and requires regular repairs and upkeep,” said MDT Project Engineer, Ben Rickman.
“After evaluating the bridge, we determined it was time for a long-term solution to reduce maintenance. We’re hosting virtual online open houses to present our plans and get feedback from the public.” The virtual open houses will be held via Zoom from 12 pm to 1 pm and from 6 pm to 7 pm. These open houses will provide identical information. To register and read more information regarding the project, visit the website at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mt200bridge/.
At these virtual open houses, the public can learn more about rehabilitation efforts and engage with MDT during a live Question and Answer session.
If you have questions or would like more information about the upcoming virtual open houses, please email Brandon@rbci.net or via phone at (406) 465-3350. The Department of Transportation will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the MT 200 Bridge Preservation public meeting or need an alternative accessible format of this notice.
If you require an accommodation, contact the Department of Transportation no later than October 10, 2022, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Matt Maze, Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620; telephone (406) 444-5416; Montana Relay 711; facsimile (406) 444-7243; or e-mail to mmaze@mt.gov.