New span will replace Old Steel Bridge
Work is finally getting under way to replace the 114-year-old bridge spanning the Flathead River near Kalispell.
The Montana Department of Transportation is installing a traffic light on Montana 35 and Fairmont Road, and once the signals are operational next week, the Old Steel Bridge will be closed and construction of a new bridge will begin.
Sletten Construction of Great Falls recently was awarded an $8.7 million contract for the project, which is expected to be completed by summer 2009, said Gary Kalberg, construction supervisor with the Montana Department of Transportation.
The old bridge was built in 1894 as the first crossing on the upper Flathead River. The 600-foot span was built with steel overhead trusses and timber, with two narrow lanes.
The new bridge, Kalberg said, will be a 720-foot-long crossing, built with welded plates and girders and without overhead trusses. It will have two 15-foot-wide driving lanes and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk.
It will have a longer span than the old bridge because it will be an angled crossing, with a west bank approach farther south than the current approach. The eastern abutment will be in the same place as it is currently.
Kalberg said the old bridge will be taken down in parts, starting from the east, to allow for construction of the new abutment. There will be simultaneous construction activity on the new bridge.
"They'll probably try to get the big piers in this summer so they can start forming decks this fall," Kalberg said.
Construction activity probably will be influenced by conditions on the river, with potential delays during high water and during the coldest periods next winter.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced Tuesday that the current west-side fishing access will be partially closed during the construction project, but a temporary boat launch will be available on state park land on the east side of the river.
A designated foot trail will provide access to the Shady Lane Fish Pond just west of the river.
Plans to replace the Old Steel Bridge have been in the works for several years. In 2005, the bridge was found to have serious structural problems, most notably rotting wooden planks. An emergency repair project that involved replacing the planks with metal plating allowed the bridge to remain open - with a three-ton weight limit allowing for only one vehicle to cross at a time.
The bridge has a structural sufficiency rating of 25.7 on a scale of 100.
Kalberg said the temporary traffic light on distant Montana 35 came about because of lessons learned when the bridge was temporarily closed in 2005.
Residents living east of the river had to travel north on Fairmont Road to reach Montana 35 as an access to Kalispell.
"It was hard for people to get onto Highway 35 with a left turn to get into town," Kalberg said.
The light has been installed and will be tested late this week.
When it becomes operational - most likely April 2 or 3 - the Old Steel Bridge will be closed forever.
Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com
sam_clanton87
I think that is a great idea to encorporate the carved wood. It is so sad to see that bridge torn down. I'm only 21 years old, but I grew up driving over that bridge to get to school. I really liked that it was a one lane bridge and that cars had to wait their turn going across. The Old Steel Bridge helped keep Kalispell rural. It was the first and last bridge I ever jumped off of. The eddie on the east side of the river under the bridge is perfect for floating in a tube; you can just float in circles forever. Now I'm moved away and in college, but to be able to visit that bridge and visit a integral part of Kalispell history is worth way more than a new bridge.
danielle626
Personally I am astounded to hear that there are plans to tear down the Old Steel Bridge. I have lived in Montana since I was four years old and in Kalispell since I was nine. Much has changed around our little city of Kalispell and I have noticed that much of our historical past is lowly being erased by the big guys. Whatever happened to embracing our heritage? Arent we proud of holding on to some parts of history that remind us of who we are? We are Big Sky country and part of the West. People love seeing remnants of what used to be since many people have fond memories of the good ol days. I feel describing the Bridge or anything historical object as dilapidated, would motivate people to renovate and upkeep something rather than tear it down, replacing it with something grandiose and unnecessary. Do those living in that area think that it is such a big hassle? Ive only driven that way a few times and it is absolutely beautiful. Having the Old Steel Bridge just encompasses the feeling one gets when driving in that area of town. Instead of spending 8.7 million dollars to replace