The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on a proposal to replace the existing bridge crossing over Libby Creek on Farm to Market Road, about five miles south of Libby in Lincoln County.

Officials plan to fast track the project to replace the bridge over Libby Creek with a longer and wider structure and rebuild the road approaches connecting to the new bridge. The project will also include upgraded pavement markings and guardrail. 

The existing structure has been closed due to damage caused by flooding Dec. 11-12 following several inches of rain that inundated south Lincoln County.

The bridge will remain closed to traffic until construction is complete.

Officials are tentatively planning for construction in 2026 depending on completion of design. Right-of-way acquisition or temporary construction permits will likely be required for this project. 

Relocation of utilities will also be necessary. Department of Transportation staff will contact affected landowners prior to survey work. Landowners may be contacted again prior to construction regarding temporary permits.

Partnering with the community is an important part of properly planning for future projects.

Officials say the Farm to Market Bridge project is estimated to cost $6.5 million. 

The department welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Missoula office, PO Box 7039, Missoula, MT 59807-7039. Please note that comments are for project UPN 10760000.

The public is encouraged to contact Public Involvement Specialist Natalee Stout at 406-444-6021 with questions or comments about the project.

Lincoln County officials have 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.