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August 5, 2025

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Sportsman’s Bridge Project Map

A map of the Sportsman’s Bridge project showing the project limits and locations of intersection improvements.
A map of the Sportsman’s Bridge project showing the project limits and locations of intersection improvements.

Drawings showing the existing Sportsman’s Bridge deck section compared to the new bridge deck section.
Drawings showing the existing Sportsman’s Bridge deck section compared to the new bridge deck section.

Sportsman’s Bridge Replacement

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is preparing to replace Sportsman’s Bridge on Montana Highway 82 (MT 82). This narrow bridge crossing the Flathead River was built in 1955 and not designed to accommodate today’s larger vehicles or increased traffic.

Tentative Sportsman’s Bridge project construction timeline.
Tentative Sportsman’s Bridge project construction timeline.

Timeline
Fall/Winter 2025: Excavation work.
Building bridge piers, the main vertical supports.
Spring/Summer 2026: Work begins on the bridge abutments, the support structure at the ends of the bridge.
Intersection improvement work begins at Oldenburg Road with MT 82 and Hanging Rock Drive with MT 82.
Late Summer 2026: Construction of the bridge deck.
Fall 2026: Traffic is moved onto the new bridge.
Intersection improvements completed.
Winter 2026: Demolition of old Sportsman’s Bridge.
Spring/Summer 2027: Finishing work.
Project completed.

This timeline is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Intersection improvements at Oldenburg Road with MT 82 and Hanging Rock Drive with MT 82.
Intersection improvements at Oldenburg Road with MT 82 and Hanging Rock Drive with MT 82.

MT 82 Improvements

Oldenburg Road with MT 82 Intersection

Construction of a left-turn lane and right-turn slip lane on MT 82 at the intersection with Oldenburg Road will enhance access to the new FAS.

Hanging Rock Drive with MT 82 Intersection

Initial plans to modify and upgrade the FAS on the east side of the Flathead River included turn lanes on MT 82 at Hanging Rock Drive. Construction of these left- and right-turn lanes will proceed as planned.

The new Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site layout on the west side of the Flathead River.
The new Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site layout on the west side of the Flathead River.

Fishing Access Site

The Fishing Access Site (FAS) has been relocated from the east bank of the Flathead River to the west side off Oldenburg Road. The new location offers more space and shoreline access.

The new FAS includes:

  • A new, concrete low-water boat ramp.
  • Parking area with:
    • 39 truck/trailer parking stalls.
    • 11 standard vehicle parking stalls.
    • One Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible standard vehicle parking stall.
    • One ADA-accessible truck/trailer parking stall.
  • An ADA-accessible single-stall restroom.

Sportsman’s Bridge project area impacts during construction.
Sportsman’s Bridge project area impacts during construction.

Project Area Impacts

  • During bridge construction, minimal traffic impacts are expected. The current Sportsman’s Bridge will remain open to traffic while the new structure is built.
  • During construction of MT 82 improvements, drivers should expect traffic control, lane reconfigurations, and reduced speeds. Plan for delays.
  • The new Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the west side of the Flathead River will stay open during construction. The east side FAS is now permanently closed.
  • Boat traffic will be permitted beneath the bridge during construction. For safety reasons, temporary short-term closures may be needed. The public will be informed in advance about any restrictions or temporary closures.

Sportsman’s Bridge project cost and funding depicted by pie charts.
Sportsman’s Bridge project cost and funding depicted by pie charts.

Project Cost and Funding

Total Cost of Project: $47,439,593

Pre-construction:

Federal Funds - $10,269,494
Non-Federal Funds (Highway State Special Revenue Account (HSSRA)) - $1,591,783
Total - $11,861,277

Construction:

Federal Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Funds - $28,462,653
Other Federal Funds - $2,341,054
Non-Federal Funds (BIP match provided through SAFER Act – HB 267) - $4,774,609
Total - $35,578,316

Sportsman’s Bridge project contact information.
Sportsman’s Bridge project contact information.

Stay in the Know

Email Updates – sloaneXYZbigskypublicrelationsABCcom

Project Hotline – 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Text Updates* - Text SPORTSMANS to 41411

Project Webpage - mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/flathead/

September 15, 2021

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