Overview
Flathead County has identified four bridges in need of rehabilitation and replacement due to their 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:
- Baker Avenue bridge crossing the Whitefish River
- Delrey Road bridge crossing Swift Creek
- Kiwanis Lane bridge crossing the Flathead River (aka Dry Creek Bridge)
- Whitefish Stage Road bridge crossing the Stillwater River
In 2022, Flathead County received a Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Planning Grant through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to study and recommend improvements for these four bridges. The resulting Planning Study was completed in July 2024 and included field studies, survey, structural and hydraulic examination, alternative analysis, benefit-cost analysis, pre-NEPA screening, preferred alternative selection, 30% preliminary designs, cost estimates, and public outreach. Based on extensive preliminary engineering efforts, the Planning Study recommended that Whitefish Stage, Delrey, and Kiwanis bridges be reconstructed in full, and the Baker bridge undergo rehabilitation of the deck and substructure.
PLANNING STUDY DELIVERABLES
30% Construction Plans
Baker Avenue 30% Bridge Construction Plans
Delrey Road 30% Bridge Construction Plans
Kiwanis Lane 30% Bridge Construction Plans
Whitefish Stage Road 30% Bridge Construction Plans
Type, Size, and Location Reports
Baker Avenue Type, Size, and Location Report
Delrey Road Type, Size, and Location Report
Kiwanis Lane Type, Size, and Location Report
Whitefish Stage Road Type, Size, and Location Report
Hydraulic Assessment of Preferred Alternatives - June 2024
Preliminary NEPA Review - June 2024
Preliminary Assessment Report - December 2023
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
In 2022, Flathead County received a FHWA BIP Planning Grant of $240,000 (Flathead County contributed $60,000) to complete preliminary engineering efforts for the project. The Planning Study recommended that Delrey Road bridge, Kiwanis Lane bridge, and the Whitefish Stage Road bridge be reconstructed, and Baker Avenue bridge undergo rehabilitation of the deck and substructure.
The full project is estimated to cost $19.1 million. Flathead County is actively working to secure funding for the project.
In October 2024, Flathead County submitted a grant application to the FHWA BIP for $15.3 million. If awarded, Flathead County would contribute $2.8 million towards the project as grant match. The remaining $1 million, would be provided by Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) - funding MDT awarded to Flathead County in May 2024 to be applied toward a FHWA BIP grant match.
Partners
The project is being led by the Flathead County Road and Bridge Department. DCI Engineers and WGM Group assisted the County with the Planning Study and grant application. The County is also coordinating with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), FHWA, and other regulatory agencies.
Schedule
- October 2022 - Flathead County received a FHWA BIP Planning Grant
- April 2024 - Two public meetings for project updates and feedback.
- July 2024 - Planning Study was completed including improvement recommendations and cost estimates.
- October 2024 - Flathead County submitted a FHWA BIP grant application for $15.3 million for final project design, engineering, and construction funding.
Stay Involved
Public input on the bridge projects is important to Flathead County and its partners. The public can submit comments anytime and join the project’s email list by sending an email to the project team at .
Two public meetings were held in April 2024 during the initial project Planning Study. Additional public meetings will be scheduled as the project moves forward into final design.
April 2024 Public Open House - Presentation
April 2024 Public Open House - Preliminary Bridge Designs
