MT 200 bridge project logo

Project Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is developing plans to rehabilitate the Montana Rail Link bridge on Montana Highway 200 (MT 200) located two miles south of Noxon. The bridge was constructed in 1957 and needs repairs and routine upkeep. The bridge is safe to drive on, but it is important to identify needed repairs to keep it safe and functional. Just like an oil change for your car, routine upkeep of the bridge extends its service life and ensures Montanans receive the best return on our bridge investments.

Work includes:

  • Evaluating the current condition of the bridge deck (driving surface).
  • Verifying past inspection reports.
  • Gathering input from local maintenance staff on individual bridge issues.
  • Determining the most cost-effective repairs to the bridge.
  • Developing plans to rehabilitate the bridge.
project map

MDT’s Bridge Management and Design Process

The MDT Bridge Bureau is tasked with keeping Montana’s bridges safe, resilient, economical, and reliable. The Bridge Bureau has two sections: Bridge Management and Bridge Design.

The Bridge Management section inspects and maintains over 4,500 bridges throughout the state and guides maintenance for local agencies and jurisdictions. The Bridge Management section is responsible for conducting all inspections and evaluating needed repairs. Routine inspections are performed every two years. In-depth inspections occur on specific and critical bridge components as needed to ensure that the most important components of the bridge are in good working condition.

The Bridge Design section provides design and engineering management on bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and preservation projects. They also establish and maintain design criteria and standards, participate in research projects, and promote design initiatives to improve bridge performance and value.

Bridge Management video

Process and Schedule

Phase 1 – Bridge Evaluation 2020
Evaluate the bridge Completed
Determine repair or rehabilitation needs Completed
Present recommended repairs to the public Completed - Fall 2020
Final Review Report Completed
Phase 2 – Bridge Design 2021 - 2023
Develop design plans 2021-2022
Present design plans to the public Completed – Spring 2023
Finalize design plans 2023
Construction *TBD
Project let for bid Spring 2024
Construction begins Summer 2024
photo of MT 200 Bridge

Stay Involved

Public involvement is important to MDT and the success of the project. The community will be notified about public involvement opportunities through the project website, local media, mailings, social media and other communication channels throughout the project development process.

UPN 9548000