September 2025

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the engineering firm, Morrison-Maierle, are working to replace three timber bridges on Montana Highway 86 (MT 86) that span Cache Creek, Carrol Creek, and Flathead Creek. Due to the deteriorating condition of the bridges at Flathead Creek and Cache Creek, temporary structures have recently been installed at these two sites.

Currently, the MT 86 Structures project is in the design phase. The project team is working on plans to replace these structures with concrete box culverts. During the design, MDT and its consultants have worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to properly consider the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations in the area.

We are pleased to report that the design team will submit plans to MDT for review by mid-September. Once the review is complete, any required changes will be incorporated, and the project will move from the “plan-in-hand” stage to the “final plan preparation” stage in anticipation of construction. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in spring 2027 and continue through fall 2027. This project timeline depends on the completion of the design and the availability of funding.