The River Rat Report: Noxon Bridge in Crisis

The River Rat Report: Noxon Bridge in Crisis

Noxon is facing a major crisis as the bridge connecting Highway 200 to the town remains at risk of permanent closure. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) temporarily shut down the bridge due to its deteriorating condition and has since warned it may need to be closed permanently. This bridge is a lifeline for the town, providing access to vital services like the post office, hardware store, and Noxon Public Schools, which serves 163 students.

Residents, including Heather Mercer, have voiced deep concerns about the potential closure’s impact on daily life. Mercer, who organized a town hall meeting to address the issue, highlighted the challenges for emergency services and families. Transporting kids or responding to emergencies via the logging road takes over 45 minutes, compared to just 5 minutes using the bridge, Mercer explained after the meeting, which took place at the Noxon Fire Department on December 10, 2024.

The 2.5-hour-long meeting drew a large crowd of concerned citizens. Discussions covered possible short-term and long-term solutions, but with an estimated project cost of $20–30 million and only $4 million currently saved, options are limited. Sanders County Commissioner Tony Cox stressed that “any repair or replacement would require using the $4 million saved so far,” and noted that MDT, alongside Commissioners Dan Rowan and himself, are working to secure matching grants and other funding opportunities.

Representative Denley Loge proposed a proactive step that could help move the issue forward: “Everyone should contact Ryan Zinke, who controls funding. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” While the suggestion provided a glimmer of hope, many attendees left the meeting frustrated and uncertain about what comes next.

If you’d like to help secure funding for the Noxon Bridge, consider reaching out to Ryan Zinke to advocate for this vital project.

Stay tuned to Clark Fork River Radio for more updates as this story develops.

By Callie Timmer, Clark Fork River Radio