TC bridge schedule set

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) project to repair the Clark Fork River bridge will begin in April. MDT has completed the design of the project, which will include a full closure of the bridge for six consecutive weeks of the project.

MDT said in a press release that most of the estimated $10.5 million project will include single-lane closures of Highway 200 over the bridge, but the full bridge closure is required due to structural limitations and to maintain public safety while Kiewit Infrastructure Company, the project's primary contractor, replaces the concrete deck on the bridge. The full bridge closure is expected to start in late May/early June, once school is out for the summer.

Along with replacing the concrete decking on the bridge, which was built in 1958, the project includes improvements to other structural components as well as new rails, spot painting of existing steel girders and new approach guardrails to increase long-term structure viability, MDT stated.

During the full bridge closure, traffic will be detoured on Blue Slide Road from Thompson Falls to Trout Creek. That roadway will not be suitable for large trucks, so those vehicles will use alternate routes including I-90 and US-2.

MDT and Sanders County will work on safety improvements on Blue Slide Road prior to the project. That work will include guardrails, signage and striping. The county and MDT have also been coordinating with emergency services, law enforcement, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Postal Service to facilitate coverage and services during the bridge closure.

MDT said that while truck traffic will be detoured only during the full bridge closure six-week period, there may be vehicle width restrictions through the construction area during the project.

Brandon Coates with consulting firm RBCI said that boat launches and access to the Clark Fork River under the bridge will remain open during the project, but that boaters may be diverted to one side of the river or the other using buoys during portions of the project.

"MDT is diligently working with its construction contractor to accelerate construction and reduce impacts to the local community and travelling public. The construction contractor will be working extra shifts to maximize efficiencies and complete the work as quickly as possible," the agency stated.

To receive updates from MDT on the project, text TROUTCREEK to 22828 or visit http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/clarkforkbridge.