Overview
Flathead County has identified four bridges in need of improvements, rehabilitation, or replacement due to age and condition. The bridges have various deficiencies that must be addressed in the near future; however, all are currently deemed safe for public use by recent inspections.
The bridges include:
- Swift Creek Bridge on Delrey Road
- Whitefish River Bridge on Baker Ave
- Stillwater River Bridge on Whitefish Stage Road
- Dry Creek (Flathead River) Bridge on Kiwanis Lane
The goal of the current project is to complete robust planning and preliminary engineering activities for each bridge to develop repair and replacement recommendations. The work will also serve as a foundation to help apply for future construction grant funding to implement the recommended improvements.
Bridge Locations
Locations of the four bridges are shown in the map below.
Vicinity Maps
Vicinity maps of each bridge are found in the links below.
Funding
This first step of the project is being funded by a planning grant from the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) with a match from Flathead County. The BIP is administered through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Partners
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 (MDT), FHWA, and other regulatory agencies.
Schedule
- October 2023 thru March 2024
- Bridge surveys and existing conditions evaluations.
- Begin environmental evaluation.
- Develop and assess bridge improvement alternatives.
- Identify preliminary recommendations.
- April 2024 – Two public meetings for project updates and feedback.
- May 2024 – Finalize bridge improvement recommendations and preliminary layouts.
- Summer/Fall 2024 – Flathead County begins applying for construction grant funding.
Stay Involved
Public input on the bridge projects is important to Flathead County and its partners. Two in-person public meetings will be held in April. The public can submit comments anytime and join the project’s email list by sending an email to the project team at .
