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As the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) finished its 2020 phase one bridge evaluation of the Montana Rail Link bridge on Highway 200 two miles south of Noxon, the second phase for 2021 has begun and dives into bridge design. The bridge was constructed in 1957 and is in need of repairs and routine upkeep.

Brent Schiller with Forsgren Associates was tasked with performing a field visit to the bridge in 2020. The firm was also tasked with an evaluation on traffic control. It was concluded the bridge, while safe to drive on, is in a severe state of deterioration and was in need of a full deck replacement. Environmental considerations for the project were conducted in order to see what impacts the project could have on the surrounding wetlands nearby, the impacts any environment contaminants such as an oil spill could have, and the firm also looked at the ability for wildlife to safely cross under the bridge. The evaluation showed no significant environmental impacts.

“Forsgren Associates are currently working on the next phase of the design,” said Brandon Coates, public involvement manager with RBCI, Inc. “They are getting the contract done up and plan on presenting the plans to the public in the fall of 2021.” Coates said the engineers have completed the bridge evaluation and preliminary designs. “When it warms up in the spring, the engineer can then set a tentative schedule at that point,” Coates said. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the design phase, just as they did on the bridge evaluation.

Coates has hopes for the public meeting to be held in person, but due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements that may not happen. “We would opt for the public to provide input on the design in person,” Coates stated. “It also might be a combination of both online and in person.” Coates says the team plans to have the project finished by the end of the year, with construction beginning in early 2022, depending on funding.