The Montana Department of Transportation is taking public comment on a proposal to replace the Farm to Market Bridge in Lincoln County that washed out during December's disastrous floods.  

Officials are prioritizing rebuilding the Farm to Market Bridge over a second state-owned bridge on Thompson Pass — across Prospect Creek — that also washed out during the floods as that road is closed for the season.  

The Farm to Market Bridge project is estimated to cost $6.5 million. Project details include replacing the bridge with a longer and wider structure, rebuilding the road approaches, and upgrading pavement markings and guardrails, officials said Tuesday.  

Construction is tentatively planned for this year, depending on completion of the design work, and project requirements will likely include right-of-way acquisition or temporary construction permits. Transportation Department staff will contact affected landowners prior to survey work and again prior to construction regarding temporary permits.  

Public comment will be taken through all phases of the project. A comment form is available on the department’s website at mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx. Anyone with questions or comments about theproject may also contact Public Involvement Specialist Natalee Stout at 406-444-6021. 

Lincoln County officials have also started the permit process to reconstruct Lower Granite Creek Bridge and Lake Creek Bridge, which were determined to have the biggest public impact. 

Gov. Greg Gianforte submitted two major disaster declaration requests, seeking additional federal funding for Lincoln County, to the White House. The first asks for $9.98 million in federal funding for flood damage repair, and the second seeks $6.5 million in wind damage repair for the county.  

The requests are currently in process and sitting on President Donald Trump’s desk. 

Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].