Flathead County has received its first insurance payment to begin repair work on Two Mile Bridge in Kalispell after it was damaged in November.  

A tow truck hauling an excavator damaged three beams underneath Two Mile Bridge, between Three Mile Drive and U.S. 2, while traveling southbound on the U.S. 93 Bypass on Nov. 17, said Public Works Director Dave Prunty. The arms of the excavator were lifted slightly, he said, and the bucket hit the beams.  

Two of the beams need to be replaced, and cracked concrete in the third beam will be epoxied. Traffic is currently restricted on Two Mile Bridge, with one-lane, two-way traffic in place, and traffic signals placed on either end of the structure.  

Flathead County commissioners unanimously approved signing receipt of a $200,000 payment from Library Mutual Fire Insurance Company during their April 21 meeting. With the first round of funding secured, county officials can move forward with project design and put out bids for a contractor.  

A contractor will likely be selected by late fall or early winter, Prunty said. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2027. The county will draw additional insurance money once it receives a quote for the project and hires oversight engineering.  

During the repair project, Two Mile Bridge will be closed to traffic and the U.S. 93 Bypass will be reduced from four to two lanes — one northbound and the other southbound.  

It’s too soon to tell how long construction will take, but county officials hope to finish the work by summer 2027. The Montana Department of Transportation is also involved in the project. 

A department spokesperson said the state’s involvement is limited to reviewing and approving an encroachment permit to allow temporary traffic control on the bypass during construction.  

Report for America reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at (406) 758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.