How Can This Poor Montana Bridge be Fixed?

The bridge is back in business, but for residents of Noxon, there's still uncertainty about the future of the span that is their lifeline to the outside world.

If a solution isn't found soon, the entire community could be cut off from the main road, forcing a miles-long detour until they can use another bridge to cross the Lower Clark Fork River.

That solution is likely to cost tens of millions of dollars if the entire span has to be replaced.

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Why was the Noxon Bridge closed this summer?

MDT had to close the bridge for safety earlier this summer, creating a long and winding detour for folks on the south bank of the Clark Fork River. Engineers had to figure out some temporary repairs to make the bridge serviceable again, especially for heavier loads.

Need for a long-term plan

The bridge is re-open to traffic now, allowing residents in Noxon, and living along the southern bank of the Clark Fork to access MT 200 to reach Trout Creek, Thompson Falls and west into Idaho. And even on a weekend, dozens of cars use the span every hour.

Dennis Bridge

Last week, Senator Jon Tester called on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to tap federal infrastructure money to expedite replacement, noting engineers saying a new span should be built, "as soon as possible."

The question is also an important one for public safety. Noxon already suffered a major setback earlier this year when a major fire in the heart of town destroyed three businesses when the blaze spread. That illustrated the need for emergency access to and from the south bank.

"I am concerned about the ability of emergency services vehicles to travel in and out of downtown should an emergency occur in the area." -Senator Tester

The bridge has long been considered "historic" by advocates for saving historic spans. The steel truss bridge was erected in 1922.