Would You Like to Adopt a Montana Bridge?

It's more complicated than adopting a pet. But if you have a love for an iconic Missoula Valley landmark, the Montana Department of Transportation would like to hear from you.

With the old bridge soon to be replaced, MDT is contacting interested individuals or private groups who would like to "adopt" the Maclay Bridge west of Missoula.

It's all part of the discussion about what will happen to the Bitterroot River span in the coming years.

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What's happening to the Maclay Bridge?

It would be hard to miss the decades-old debate about the future of the aging bridge, which has continued to provide a one-way traffic link between the town and the residential areas on the west side of the Lower Bitterroot.

If you're new to the debate, MDT plans to replace Maclay Bridge with a new span off South Avenue. Since Missoula County won't retain ownership, MDT is soliciting interest from possible groups that would like to adopt the bridge.

How does that work?

It's complicated, but also simple. Any parties interested in keeping the bridge for something like bike/pedestrian access, or even moving it to another site, will have to obtain the necessary state or federal permits and easements. The plans also have to be approved by the state.

Interested parties have to submit their ideas to MDT on or before December 16th. You can find out more information about the state's Historic Bridge Adoption program online, or call Thaddeus Lesnik, MDT Consultant Project Engineer, at 406-444-9457.

What do you get?

Maclay Bridge is a through-truss bridge, with a pony truss and two pre-stressed concrete spans. The through-truss dates to 1914, and was moved to the current location in 1953. The concrete sections were added in the 1960s.

It's on the Historic Register and must be used as a bridge for at least 10 years.

The bridge deck underwent an extensive repair earlier this year to keep it safe for traffic.