Meeting looks at Bigfork bridge options

After months of planning, the Montana Department of Transportation will meet with people in Bigfork Tuesday to present options to restore or rebuild the Swan River Bridge.

The Montana Department of Transportation and Flathead County are preparing a feasibility study examining potential bridge improvements that would make it safe to travel across while maintaining the historic character of the bridge.

Since the bridge was built more than a century ago, it has never undergone major repairs.

An open house and informational presentation will be held Tuesday in the Bigfork Elementary School cafeteria at 600 Commerce St. The open house will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting is intended to review results from previous meetings, present bridge rehabilitation and replacement options and receive public feedback on the options. Study team members will be available during the open house to discuss the study.

Comments and concerns about the project may be submitted in writing at the meeting or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml.

To indicate the comments are for the Swan River Bridge project, label the subject as UPN 9020 Swan River bridge (Bigfork). Comments should be submitted by Sept. 16.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.