Highway 37 bridge work begins Aug. 5

Long-awaited work on the Highway 37 bridges between Libby and Eureka will begin next week.

The first is at mile marker 13.8 where the Fisher River enters the Kootenai River.

"I have pushed for this work for years and promises of resurfacing are becoming real,” Sen. Mike Cuffe said.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, in 2020, the department and Forsgren Associates evaluated 11 bridges, developed preliminary plans to rehabilitate them and presented them to the public.

“These bridges were built between 1959 and 1974 and are in need of repairs and some routine maintenance to keep them up to standard,” said DeWayne Wilson, MDT Missoula District Bridge Engineer. “The MDT Bridge Bureau inspects Montana’s bridges on a regular basis and these bridges are safe to drive on. The recommended repairs will keep them functional for many years to come.”

The state and Sletten Construction Companies will begin bridge work Monday, Aug. 5, on the first of 11 bridges on Highway 37.

Crews will be working from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Motorists should expect 10 to 15-minute delays, reduced speeds, and single-lane traffic when traveling through the project area.

There is a 10-foot width restriction through the project area. Wide loads must use an alternate route. 

For the most up-to-date width restrictions and road conditions visit https://www.511mt.net/.

The 11 bridges being worked on are between Libby and milemarker 64. Work includes bridge deck replacement or overlay, milling and overlay work on approach roadways, bridge guardrail repairs or replacement, expansion joint replacement and other minor repairs. 

The purpose of this bridge preservation project is to extend the service life of the structures. The project will take multiple construction seasons to complete.

The public is encouraged to contact Joan Redeen at 406-396-1978 with any questions or comments.