Boy Scout Bridge in Seeley Lake

Boy Scout Bridge, which crosses the Clearwater River located on the southwestern side of Seeley Lake off Boy Scout Road, has been closed since the fall of 2023 due to severe rotting and decay of the bridge’s wood pilings (the legs that act as the support for the bridge). This bridge, which was built in 1937, is mainly used as an access point for campgrounds in the area.

Missoula County plans to replace the bridge, which will cost approximately $12 million, and applied for a federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, as well as a Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant in early 2024 to help fund the replacement bridge. Missoula County Public Works heard back that they did not receive the RAISE grant, but are still waiting to hear back on the BIP grant. If the County receives the BIP grant, construction would begin in 2027. If the County does not receive the BIP grant, staff will meet with the Federal Highway Administration to find out how to improve the grant applications, and apply again the next time around.