Maclay Bridge/South Avenue Bridge

Follow this page for updates and let us know your questions about the Maclay Bridge closure and repair or South Avenue Bridge project.

Missoula County Public Works continues to work on the repairs to Maclay Bridge, with crews now focusing on the required structural repairs to the pony truss, which are expected to be complete by Wednesday, May 1.

Once all required structural repairs are complete, crews will install the driving surface, which includes pouring concrete that requires a seven-day cure time before the final asphalt surfacing can be placed. The County may need another inspection and a weight-limit review before opening, which could extend the closure. Given the progress to this point, though, staff expect to reopen the bridge on May 9 or 10.

The bridge will remain closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, until after repairs are complete. County officials urge members of the public to abide by this closure.

Background

Missoula County closed Maclay Bridge on Jan. 26, 2024, after the Montana Department of Transportation informed Public Works staff on Jan. 25 that the County needed to close the bridge as soon as possible due to structural concerns. MDT determined that the bridge, located west of Missoula in the Target Range neighborhood, can no longer carry traffic, including pedestrians and bicyclists, safely and reliably. Public Works staff and engineers from HDR are evaluated the feasibility and cost associated with temporarily repairing the bridge and have begun repairs.

Missoula County knows the closure adds time and miles to residents’ commutes, and we understand and empathize with the frustrations associated with that. The bridge closure is to protect residents’ safety and is non-negotiable. This page is not intended for comments on that decision.

Missoula County and MDT are collaborating to construct a replacement bridge that would connect South Avenue to River Pines Road, half a mile upstream from the Maclay Bridge. You can find a complete timeline and more information on this project on MDT’s Bitterroot River Bridge project page (also referred to as the “South Avenue Bridge” project). The timeline can be found under “Links” on the right-hand side. Though Missoula County has been a partner in this project, MDT is taking the lead on construction. If you have any comments on the South Avenue Bridge project, please submit them via MDT’s comment form.

Currently, the County, MDT and Federal Highway Administration are regularly meeting to complete the necessary steps required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966. It’s critical that the process and requirements under each act be addressed accurately to reduce the risk of delays during the project development. The programmatic agreement for the Section 106 portion of the NHPA is expected to be completed in June 2024, with the NEPA document being signed by FHWA potentially in July or August of 2024. This timeline is tentative and can change.

Once the NEPA process is complete, the County and MDT will continue to collaborate on the delivery of the project, but MDT will take the lead on project management and delivery. MDT has the project tentatively slated for funding in 2026 from the federal and state gas tax funds through MDT’s Off-System Bridge Program.

Click here to read the FAQs for answers to questions like "Can Maclay Bridge be open to pedestrians and bicycles only?"

Follow this page for updates. If you have questions about the Maclay Bridge closure or South Avenue Bridge project, please read the FAQs on the right-hand side to ensure your questions haven’t already been answered. If they haven’t, ask them below.