Project Overview
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is preparing to replace Sportsman’s Bridge on Montana Highway 82 (MT 82) northwest of Bigfork. This narrow bridge crossing the Flathead River was built in 1955. It was not designed to accommodate today’s larger vehicles or the increased traffic due to the growth in population and tourism in the Flathead Valley.
MDT will replace the existing 686-foot-long bridge with a new 706-foot-long structure featuring two 12-foot travel lanes and two 10-foot shoulders. The new bridge will be built next to the south side of the existing structure. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Relocation of the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site
Shifting Sportsman’s Bridge to the south will impact the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) located on the east bank of the Flathead River. This change will reduce the amount of shoreline available and eliminate the existing access to the FAS. MDT has been working with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to reduce any impacts as much as possible.
The existing FAS was initially planned to be modified and upgraded near the same location on the east bank of the river. However, after listening to public feedback and assessing available options, FWP is now developing a new FAS on the west side of the Flathead River, off Oldenburg Road. This updated location offers many benefits, including:
- Increased access: Public access sites on Flathead Lake and the Flathead River are used heavily throughout the year and are consistently at or above capacity. The new location on the west side of the river will provide space for more parking and shoreline accessibility.
- Ease of Access: Both departments prefer the intersection of MT 82 with Oldenburg Road for its ease of access and safety features compared to the alternative at Hanging Rock Drive.
The new FAS will include:
- A new, concrete, low-water boat ramp.
- Parking area with:
- 39 truck/trailer parking stalls.
- 11 standard vehicle parking stalls.
- One standard car and one truck/trailer Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -accessible parking stall.
- An ADA-accessible restroom.
New FAS Access at Oldenburg Road with MT 82 Intersection
A left turn lane and a right turn slip lane will be constructed on MT 82 at the intersection with Oldenburg Road to enhance access to the new FAS. A right turn slip lane is a short stretch of road that allows vehicles to turn right without entering the intersection.
Turn Lanes at Hanging Rock Drive with MT 82 Intersection
Initial plans for the new FAS on the east side of the Flathead River included building turning lanes on MT 82 at the intersection with Hanging Rock Drive. Construction of the new left- and right-hand turn lanes at Hanging Rock Drive will continue as planned.
Construction
The relocation of the FAS to the west side of the river has delayed the Sportsman’s Bridge replacement project. The new FAS must be built first to create space for the new bridge to be constructed. This also ensures that the public has continued access to the Flathead River.
Bridge construction is now anticipated to begin in fall 2025. This schedule is subject to change due to funding availability, completion of the final design, economic conditions, and possible unforeseen factors.
During construction, traffic will continue to travel on the existing bridge until the new structure is complete, with minimal to no traffic impacts.
Before construction begins, MDT will host an open house where the community can view final plans, learn more about the upcoming construction, and meet and ask questions directly to the project team.
The public is encouraged to reach out with thoughts and questions by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484, operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing