Local news- Press Release
Missoula County Montana - Missoula County Confirms Repair Plans Funding for Maclay Rock Creek Bridges 22 February 2024 ( news )
Missoula County , state Montana ( By Press Release office)
Feb 22,2024
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After receiving a detailed engineering recommendation and confirming funding sources , Missoula County now has a preliminary plan in place to temporarily repair the Maclay Bridge west of Missoula so it can be reopened .
The recommendation from engineering firm HDR calls for the County to replace the deteriorating steel stringers that run under the bridge deck . This will require crews to remove portions of the deck , which will then be replaced . Missoula County closed the bridge , which spans the Bitterroot River between North Avenue and River Pines Road , on Jan . 26 after the Montana Department of Transportation informed staff to close it as soon as possible due to structural concerns .
The total cost of the repairs , including materials and labor , is estimated to be $65 , 000 . MDT has committed to covering the cost of repairs with funding from Senate Bill 536 . Following the required administrative approvals and contract finalization , Public Works crews estimate work to start this spring , dependent on weather and availability of materials .
The repairs will allow the County to reopen the one - lane bridge , placed at its current location in 1953 , to traffic , bicycles and pedestrians . Construction on a new bridge upstream that would connect South Avenue to River Pines Road is tentatively slated to begin in 2026 . More information on the South Avenue Bridge is
online
.
MDT will also provide funding from SB 536 for Missoula County to complete necessary repairs on the Rock Creek Bridge that crosses the Clark Fork River on the southeastern edge of the county . MDT designated the bridge as “scour critical” last fall after an inspection revealed the river could wash away enough sediment around the piers to compromise the structural integrity of the bridge , especially amid high water events .
Public Works plans to fortify the base of the piers with rip - rap this spring , ideally ahead of mountain runoff that leads to high water . Additional but less urgent repairs to the bridge are planned for this fall . The total cost for these repairs will be heavily dependent on bid prices .
Public Works Director Shane Stack is available to answer media questions by calling 406 - 830 - 0103 or emailing
[email protected]
.
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