Montana Department of Transportation

Malcolm “Mack” Long, Director

COVID-19

View the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force site for more information.

Active Project

Higgins Bridge logo

Higgins Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation

Project Overview

Construction at the intersection of 3rd Street and Higgins Ave has begun. 3rd Street will be closed near the entrance of the Boon and Crocket Club. Pedestrian and delivery access will remain open to all businesses during business hours. A detour for all modes of travel will be established on Myrtle Street.

Higgins Avenue Bridge construction started on Monday, Oct. 5. In the first phase, Sletten Construction crews will replace the existing bridge deck to widen the travel surface.

Crews will begin construction on the west side of the bridge, nearest to the Wilma building. While construction is underway, travelers will be able to use one lane in each direction on the east side of the bridge which currently carries the northbound lanes. This first phase of construction is anticipated to last through May 2021.

We know that you'll likely have questions about this project. While we would love to host in-person meetings, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the project team will instead host ZOOM meeting on the dates listed below. These will be held at 12 p.m. The first meeting will begin Wednesday, September 30.

Zoom meeting information:

Once the west half of the bridge has been completed next spring, traffic will be swapped to the newly completed segment of the bridge while crews construct the northbound lanes. This second phase will run from May 2021 through December 2021. This process will look very similar to what crews recently completed on the Russell Street Bridge.

Throughout the duration of this project, various roadway and sidewalk improvements will be made at each end of the bridge. Along the west side of the bridge, new foundations will be installed to allow for a wider bridge deck, in addition to new shared-use paths, and a new stairway to Caras Park. The goal is to have all lanes of the bridge complete by the end of 2021 and to complete final paving, painting, striping, etc. in the spring of 2022.

Please do not hesitate to contact the project team regarding any questions or comments by calling 406-207-4484 or by emailing Katie at .

The Montana Department of Transportation and Big Sky Public Relations will continue to coordinate with affected business owners, organizations, and community partners regarding the construction schedule to limit impacts wherever possible.

The Higgins Avenue Bridge provides access to the heart of downtown for students, residents and visitors to the Garden City. Whether you're heading to the Hip Strip on foot, cruising to Out to Lunch on your bike, or driving to a meeting downtown, the Higgins Avenue Bridge is a key connector for all modes of transportation.

The Montana Department of Transportation is rehabilitating the Higgins Avenue Bridge to make this a safer and more spacious bridge for everyone. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2020.

Higgins Historic Bridge image
Image courtesy of University of Montana
Click on the image for a larger view

The Higgins Avenue Bridge is deteriorating. Rehabilitation is necessary to extend the life of the bridge. The deck concrete is distressed and needs to be replaced, the steel structure elements need repair and/or replacement, and the entire steel portion of the bridge needs a new protective coating of paint.

The bridge now carries far more bicyclists and pedestrians than can be comfortably accommodated. While the bridge is safe for use now, MDT has prioritized rehabilitation of the bridge so it remains in safe condition.

The Montana Department of Transportation, Federal Highways Administration and the City of Missoula are committed to good stewardship of the Higgins Avenue Bridge.

The Higgins Bridge is safe to use, and is inspected every two years. The Higgins Avenue Bridge rehabilitation will make necessary improvements to the bridge long before it would become unsafe for the public to use.

Higgins Avenue Project construction phase 1
Click on the image to print, save or view the PDF

Recommended Pedestrian Route

Higgins Avenue Project Recommended Pedestrian Route image
Click on the image to print, save or view the PDF

*Message and data rates may apply. 1 msg/week. Reply STOP to opt out at any time. Reply HELP for help. Visit our security policy for terms and privacy policy.

UPN 8807000