Open houses planned for downtown Bigfork bridge project
Bigfork will have a new downtown bridge in 2024.
Before crews break ground, the Montana Department of Transportation wants to hear from residents regarding plans to replace the iconic steel-truss Bridge Street Bridge that connects Bigfork to Montana 35. The agency is hosting two open houses for the project, one virtual and one in-person.
The in-person event will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Bigfork High School Community Room, 600 Commerce St.
Attendees can expect an open-room format with display boards and project plans. Staff will be on hand to gather feedback and answer questions. No formal presentation will be made and anyone can attend any time during the three-hour event.
The virtual event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. Registration is required to gain access information for the meeting. Attendees can expect a PowerPoint presentation followed by a question-and-answer period and an opportunity to provide comments. To register to attend, visit bitly.com/bsbfopenhouse.
The current bridge on Bridge Street is old and can't handle large or heavy loads. The Department of Transportation plans to replace the structure with one that will allow for heavier loads, including emergency vehicles, while celebrating the old bridge with a matching steel-truss shape, a single travel lane and a walkway. Construction is anticipated to start in 2024.
Those who cannot attend the open houses can still provide comments by contacting Amy Aiello at amy@bigskypublicrelations.com or by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484. The hotline operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.