Rehab work on Cyr Bridge begins this month
The Cyr Bridge on old Montana 10 is over 90 years old and is used primality by residents in the area. But during summer, it’s a pivotal point to float the Alberton Gorge. The Fish Creek exit, west of the bridge, will become the lifeline for floaters using the boat ramp this summer. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
Mineral County commuters may not realize how many bridges cross over the Clark Fork River until "work zone" signs are posted.
Alberton has been the epicenter of construction so far this spring and starting April 5, another bridge will begin rehabilitation. However, this is one that few drivers use but its safety is a concern for the Montana Department of Transportation.
Along with Frontier West, work will begin on the Cyr Bridge located on Old Highway 10 west of Alberton. This is the bridge that looks down on the boat/raft launch for those about to float the Alberton Gorge.
Work will include repairing deteriorated concrete in the bridge deck (driving surface), piers and retaining walls. Other improvements include repairing and painting a portion of the steel superstructure, replacing the bridge railing, applying a deck crack seal to the bridge’s driving surface, resurfacing the roadway on each end of the bridge, paving the vehicle parking area on the east side of the bridge, and installing a historical marker.
“The Cyr Bridge was originally constructed in 1932 and needs some attention so it can continue to serve the local community,” said Brett Lloyd, MDT Missoula District Engineering Project Manager. “The repairs to the concrete on the bridge deck surface and substructure, and the addition of new deck railing will enhance safety, provide a smoother driving surface, and extend the service life of the bridge.”
Due to the nature of this work and the age of the bridge, the Cyr Bridge is expected to close to vehicle and pedestrian traffic starting the week of April 2. The bridge is expected to reopen in the fall when construction is complete.
Motorists and pedestrians will need to use an alternate route throughout construction. The Clark Fork River boat ramp located near the Cyr Bridge will remain open. For access to and from the boat ramp and the west side of the river, motorists will need to use the Fish Creek Road Interchange (Exit 66). For access to and from the east side of the river, westbound Interstate 90 (I-90) motorists will need to use the Cyr Interchange (Exit 70). Eastbound I-90 motorists will need to use the Alberton Interchange (Exit 75), enter I-90 traveling westbound, and exit at the Cyr Interchange.
if you have questions or comments, contact Brandon Coates, public involvement manager, by email brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350.