Project Overview
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is evaluating 11 bridges on Montana Highway 37 (MT 37) between Libby and Eureka. The bridges are aging and in need of repairs. The bridge in Libby over the Kootenai River was built in 1959; the bridge near Jennings was built in 1969. The other nine bridges were built between 1971 and 1999. These bridges are safe to drive on, but it is important to identify needed improvements now to extend their service life.
Work includes:
- Evaluating the current condition of the bridge decks (driving surfaces).
- Verifying past inspection reports.
- Gathering input from local maintenance staff on individual bridge issues.
- Determining the most cost-effective repairs to each bridge.
- Developing plans to rehabilitate the bridges.
- Presenting recommended repairs to the public.
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.
Process and Anticipated Schedule
| Phase 1 – Bridge Evaluation | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Evaluate the bridges | 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 |
|---|---|
| * Construction of the bridge improvements is dependent on the availability of funding and will be scheduled once the design plans are finalized. | |
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 9547001