Bear Canyon Bridge Repairs Underway On I-90 Near Bozeman

If you have driven east on Interstate 90 from Bozeman toward Livingston lately, you have probably noticed the detour. The eastbound lane over the Bear Canyon Bridge has been closed for a couple of weeks now. Instead of cruising straight through, drivers are forced to exit and loop back onto the interstate at Exit 313. It is not a massive delay, but I-90 is the main artery through this part of Montana, so even small disruptions are noticeable.

The issue started in late January when a commercial truck hauling an oversized load attempted to pass beneath the bridge. The load exceeded the posted clearance of 13 feet 3 inches and struck the bridge, causing significant damage.

Good news! According to the Montana Department of Transportation, a repair contract has now been handed over to Battle Ridge Builders. The project will involve replacing two structural support beams and repairing portions of the bridge deck at Exit 313.

Construction is expected to begin soon and wrap up by the end of March. That seems like a pretty quick turnaround, but we shall see. Eastbound traffic will continue using the temporary exit during the construction. In addition, Bozeman Trail Road remains closed at the interstate underpass until the bridge work is complete.

State officials say they moved quickly to order replacement beams and used an expedited contractor selection process in an effort to reduce long term impacts for drivers. For now, we will still have to jump off the highway and slow down for the small stretch. But at least we know help is on the way!