Due to structural concerns , Maclay Bridge west of Missoula will be closed for the foreseeable future , starting at 10 a . m . Friday , Jan . 26 . Missoula County Public Works is closing the bridge following a Montana Department of Transportation inspection demonstrating the bridge can no longer carry traffic safely or reliably .  
    
   Public Works crews will place signs at Humble Road and North Avenue indicating the closure of the bridge , which spans the Bitterroot River to connect North Avenue to River Pines Road in the Big Flat neighborhood . Crews will also place barricades and barriers at each end of the bridge to prevent access and will work to place signs at other key intersections over the coming weeks .
   Drivers will need to use Big Flat Road , Mullan Road , Reserve Street , Blue Mountain Road and Highway 93 for detour routes around the closure . The bridge will also be closed to pedestrian and bicycle access .
   Public Works staff will evaluate the feasibility and cost associated with temporarily repairing the bridge , but may ultimately decide to close the bridge permanently .
   Missoula County , in collaboration with MDT and the Federal Highway Administration , is in the process of completing an environmental document for construction of the proposed South Avenue Bridge , which would provide access across the river between South Avenue and River Pines Road . If FHWA signs the categorical exclusion for the South Avenue Bridge , construction is tentatively slated to begin in 2026 . MDT will manage construction of the new bridge , which will be paid for with federal and state gas tax funds through MDT’s Off - System Bridge Program . No County funding will go toward the South Avenue Bridge Project .
   For more information , call the Public Works Road Division at 406 - 258 - 3772 .  
    
   

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