County holds meetings on potential bridge projects

Flathead County is looking at four bridges scattered throughout the county that need rehabilitation or replacement due to age and condition.

The bridges suffer various deficiencies that must be addressed soon. However, the county says, recent inspections have found all safe for public use. 

The bridges are the Swift Creek Bridge on Delrey Road, the Whitefish River Bridge on Baker Avenue in Whitefish, the Stillwater River Bridge on Whitefish Stage Road and the Dry Creek Bridge over the Flathead River on Kiwanis Lane.

The county is holding two public hearings to provide an update on the project and provide input for consideration of bridge design. The first meeting is on Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 E. Second St., Whitefish, and the second is on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at the South Campus Building, 40 11th St. W., Kalispell. 

The goal is to complete planning and preliminary engineering activities for each bridge to develop repair and replacement recommendations, according to the county. The work will also serve as a foundation to help apply for future construction grant funding to implement the recommended improvements, officials note. 

Located northwest of Whitefish Lake, the Swift Creek Bridge was constructed in 1935 and spans 60 feet across Swift Creek. The timber deck bridge provides a single driving lane and is the only access for residences beyond the bridge on Delrey Road. 

Bridge age and condition have led to the decision to fully replace the structure with a modern bridge that better accommodates residents and stream conditions, according to the county. The new structure is anticipated to remain a one-lane truss-style bridge with an increased length to better fit the stream and an increased width to increase traffic safety.

Located in Whitefish, the Baker Avenue Bridge was constructed in 1977 and spans 105 feet across the Whitefish River. The bridge contains two travel lanes and sidewalks along both sides. 

The bridge deck wearing surface has deteriorated, requiring restoration, but the bridge does not show any significant need for structural replacement, the county notes. Replacement of the deck railing, along with striping and signage upgrades are also under consideration. 

Located near the intersection with Rail Park Drive, the Whitefish Stage Road Bridge was constructed in 1975 across the Stillwater River. It consists of two supported spans with a center pier. 

Potential improvements include a full structure replacement to provide a more durable bridge with a single span that better accommodates river conditions, according to the county. The proposed bridge dimensions could increase both in length and width and have a full 5-foot sidewalk on the west side.

The Dry Creek Bridge was originally constructed in 1992 and is located within the floodplain of the Flathead River close to the popular Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access. Potential improvements include a full structure replacement that is slightly longer, and a concrete girder and concrete deck superstructure are part of the anticipated replacement to provide a modern and long-lasting bridge, according to the county. 

The first step of the project is being funded by a planning grant from the Bridge Investment Program administered through the Federal Highway Administration with a match from the County.

The project is being led by the Flathead County Road and Bridge Department. The county is assisted by DCI Engineers and WGM Group to perform bridge planning, preliminary engineering and initial environmental review. The county is also coordinating with the Montana Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and other regulatory agencies.