A well-known stretch of the Clark Fork River in the Alberton Gorge will soon see changes as a major bridge construction project gets underway, temporarily limiting walk-in access to a favorite local recreation area. 

Beginning April 15, public access to the “Triple Bridges” area will be closed as crews begin work to replace the westbound Interstate 90 bridge spanning the river west of town. The project, led by the Montana Department of Transportation in partnership with Sletten Construction Companies, is expected to continue through fall 2027.

The closure affects a section of Old Highway 10 West just beyond the entrance to the Tarkio East Fishing Access Site. Also included in the closure are the Old Highway 10 pedestrian bridge, a well-used kayaker trail leading to the Triple Bridges surf wave, and nearby lands between the highway and the river’s east bank. 

Officials say these areas will be off-limits to all public use during construction to ensure safety. While the restrictions will impact those who typically hike in to reach the river at Triple Bridges, the Clark Fork itself remains open to floaters. Popular routes through the Alberton Gorge, including the stretch from Cyr Bridge Fishing Access Site to Tarkio Fishing Access Site, will not be affected. 

Other nearby access points, including Tarkio East and Ralph’s Takeout, will remain open for public use. Still, river users are urged to take extra precautions when passing through the construction zone. Officials recommend that boaters move efficiently through the Triple Bridges area and stay alert for equipment and activity along the riverbanks.

The Alberton Gorge is a longtime draw for rafters, kayakers and anglers alike, and while the temporary closure may shift how some visitors access the river, the overall experience of floating the Gorge will remain largely intact during construction. Transportation officials say the project is necessary to maintain the safety and reliability of the Interstate 90 corridor, a key route through western Montana.

Nearby, Mineral County Montana Rails-to-Trails will hold its annual clean-up day at the Tarkio trail complex on Saturday, April 25 starting at 11 a.m.   This year they will be setting posts for two informational signs which have been purchased with grant funds from the National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.  

Additionally, the Woodhouse Family Foundation provided funds to supplement improvements made on the project, including costs to cover the seasonal rental of a handicap-accessible port-a-potty.  Mineral County Rec Club continues to provide volunteer assistance for the clean-up day and other community members are invited to assist as well.  Lunch and tools will be provided.

In addition to containing a short one-mile portion of the Great American Rail Trail, this project also includes a scenic loop with trails on both sides of the section accessing a stretch of the Old Milwaukee Railroad that overlooks the Clark Fort River.

This project was made possible with grant funds from the FWP Trail Stewardship Program, the Woodhouse Family Foundation, donations from locals, and lots of volunteer labor.  

The system covers a complete section of DNRC (school trust) land and provides visitors and locals alike an opportunity to explore a natural habitat that is easily accessible to all. For more information, contact Diane Magone at [email protected].