The future of the bridge on Boy Scout Road should be known sometime next week as the Montana Department of Transportation wraps up the analysis of its structural study.
The results of the study, which was originally estimated to be published by Nov. 1, should decide whether to keep the bridge in operation, limit weight on the bridge or shut it down altogether. The bridge was built in 1937.
The Pathfinder previously reported that the bridge has been a known concern by MDT and Missoula County for the last several years.
“This bridge has been one of concern for a long time,” MDT Bridge Management Engineer Amanda Jackson wrote in a 2017 letter to Missoula County. “It’s a good candidate for replacement. All of the piles are deteriorating.”
MDT required a three ton weight maximum on the bridge on Aug. 1 after a member of the public reported a popping noise when cars drove over the support beams. At the beginning of September, a specialized team tested the bridge both above and below the waterline.
It is unclear why the results of the study are falling behind.
While MDT oversees the testing and safety levels of bridges across the state, the Boy Scout Bridge is Missoula County’s financial responsibility. County officials previously told the Pathfinder they are working to get money to fix the bridge, but the money is not currently available.
“The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is currently performing a detailed analysis of the latest inspection to determine if the condition of the Boy Scout Bridge warrants any changes to the current load posting,” Andy Cullison, MDT, Bridge Bureau Chief said over email. “This engineering analysis will be complete by Nov.17.”
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