Flathead River bridge may be replaced

An informational meeting to discuss the proposed replacement of Sportsman’s Bridge on the Flathead River near Bigfork is scheduled for Thursday, July 14.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at Bigfork Elementary School, hosted by the Montana Department of Transportation. State officials welcome comment and input from local residents on the project.

People may submit written comments at the July 14 meeting or by mail.

Mailed comments should be sent to Shane Stack, Missoula District preconstruction engineer, Montana Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 7039, Missoula, 59807. Comments are due by July 29. Comments should include the project number, UPN 6850.

The proposed new bridge would be longer and wider to meet current traffic demands.

It’s expected that some utilities will have to be relocated as part of the project.