For immediate release: Jan. 3, 2024
Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
Cell – 406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov
Gallatin, Broadwater Counties Receive Funding to Replace Old Town Bridges
Gallatin and Broadwater counties are finalizing contracts for state funding to help replace two bridges on Old Town Road that span the Jefferson River near Three Forks.
Over the last couple years, the two counties have been collaborating and working to find funding to replace both bridges, which are estimated to cost around $2 million each.
The bridge located on Old Town Road East was closed to traffic in June 2023 after an inspection identified significant safety issues with the structure. This has resulted in a 10-mile detour and has forced emergency services to reroute, causing considerable delays in service.
The bridge located on Old Town Road West, about a quarter mile west, currently has a seven-ton load limit.
Due to the significant population increases in both Gallatin and Broadwater counties in that area, Old Town Road and the two bridges continue to be vital infrastructure for the region.
In 2023, both counties received $750,000 each from the Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP). They also both received $1 million apiece from the Montana Department of Transportation to be used as matching funds for the MCEP money. These matching funds are thanks to a bill passed in the 2023 Montana Legislature, which provides funding for road and bridge repair statewide.
“This funding is a key component to ensuring that we replace these critical pieces of infrastructure for our residents on the west end of Gallatin County. We appreciate the teamwork with Broadwater County to push this project forward,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Scott MacFarlane.
“Broadwater County is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Gallatin County in the replacement of the Old Town Bridges that will greatly benefit all residents. We are also grateful for the MCEP program and the Montana Department of Transportation that have helped to the provided funding to make this project possible,” said Broadwater County Commissioner Darrel Folkvord.
Stahly Engineering is in the process of completing design of the bridges. Construction is slated to begin in June with completion at the end of 2024.
Check out project history and schedule, submit questions and comments, and more, at the project website.
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