Sportsman's Bridge project continues in Big Fork, new bridge expected to open fall 2026

BIG FORK, Montana — Crews are moving into the next phase of Sportsman’s Bridge construction for the week of May 11 as work continues on the foundation pieces for the new bridge, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announced.

MDT said Sletten Construction was finishing the deeper parts of the substructure and building the upper sections, called caps, at both in-water piers and the bridge-end abutments. After that work, crews are set to install bridge bearings that connect the bridge foundation to the structure above it.

Drivers near the site are asked to watch for trucks entering and leaving the area and stay at least 200 feet back to avoid flying debris. MDT also said people traveling through the work zone should slow down, follow traffic control and watch for workers and equipment.

Speed limits are reduced to 35 mph in the project area. Crews are scheduled to be on site Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with work depending on weather and other unexpected factors.

The project schedule shows bridge abutment work and intersection upgrades at Oldenburg Road with MT 82 and Hanging Rock Drive with MT 82 in spring and summer 2026. MDT said late summer 2026 is expected to bring bridge deck construction, followed by traffic shifting to the new bridge in fall 2026.

The schedule also shows demolition of the old Sportsman’s Bridge in winter 2026. Final work is planned for spring and summer 2027, when the project is expected to wrap up.

A site camera is available on the project webpage.