Sletten Construction continues to position barges and a crane in the Flathead River in preparation for constructing the bridge piers. Higher-than-normal water levels for this time of year have made launching and positioning the barges challenging.
Crews will be building a temporary framework to precisely position and drive the piles, which are long steel columns that provide deep support for the pier foundations. Residents and travelers will soon see a new crane in the area as preparations are underway for the bridge replacement.
During construction, the east side of the river will remain open to boat traffic under Sportsman’s Bridge. If temporary closures are necessary, the public will be notified in advance. Boaters should exercise caution in the construction area, particularly when work is in progress.
Dirt work and road reconstruction continue. On the east end of the project, crews are filling and stabilizing embankments. Shoulder work and erosion control in preparation for winter are also underway.
Follow posted traffic control and watch for trucks entering and exiting the project site. Speed limits are reduced to 25 mph within the project area.
Crews will be on site Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All work is dependent on the weather and other unforeseen factors.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing me at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com.
For the latest information about the Sportsman’s Bridge project, please visit the project’s webpage at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/flathead/.