Flathead River - Perma Bridge Construction

CONSTRUCTION AHEAD

Flathead River bridge near Perma, Montana

Flathead River - Perma Bridge

Construction begins week of July 24 - weekend closure July 29-30

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West expect to begin work rehabilitating the bridge that carries Secondary Highway 382 (S 382) over the Flathead River the week of July 24.

The bridge is anticipated to be completely closed to traffic starting Saturday, July 29 at 6 a.m. and will reopen on Sunday, July 30 at 6 p.m. There will not be a detour at the bridge. Motorists are encouraged to use Montana Highway 28 (MT 28) or US Highway 93 (US 93) as an alternate route.

The river beneath the bridge will remain open, but signage may direct boat or raft traffic to one side of the river.

What to expect during construction

S 382

Traffic will be reduced to one lane.
Traffic will be controlled by traffic-sensing smart signals.
Speed limits will be reduced.
10-foot width restrictions during the day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date information).
Delays of up to 15 minutes.

Flathead River

Precautions are being taken to protect the river and its users during construction. It is unlikely that the river will close as a part of this project.

MDT anticipates that bridge rehabilitation work will be substantially completed this fall. Painting on portions of the steel superstructure to inhibit corrosion is expected to take place in 2024.

100 Deadliest Days: A Reminder to Stay Safe and Vigilant in Your Summer Travels

For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. This period is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” and has historically represented an increase in crashes and crash fatalities on our roadways due to greater traffic volumes and clear travel conditions that lower drivers’ guards. Before you make plans to travel this summer, commit to safe, lawful behavior and remain vigilant in sharing Montana’s roadways with all system users. Never operate a motor vehicle while impaired. If you’re driving a vehicle, buckle up before you go and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero here: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/

ABOUT THE PROJECT

MDT and Frontier West are rehabilitating the bridge that carries Secondary Highway 382 (S 382) traffic over the Flathead River near Perma. This bridge was originally constructed in the early 1960s and needs repairs. This project will extend the service life of this bridge.

Improvements include:

Replacing damaged bearings and joints.
Repairing bridge girders.
Hydro milling and overlaying the bridge deck with new concrete.
Painting portions to inhibit corrosion.
Upgrading bridge railing and roadway approach guardrail.
Resurfacing the pavement approaches on each end of the bridge.
Adding warning rumble strips and signage for the intersection of S 382 and Montana Highway 200 (MT 200).

Visit the project website at: Flathead River - Perma Bridge MDT Website

Stay Informed During the Construction

- For construction TEXT updates: text PERMA to 866-434-0866 (toll-free)

- Call the project phone line: 406-545-0800

- Email: Brandon@rbci.net

*Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy by visiting: https://simpletexting.com/privacy-policy/

Allow extra travel time, slow down, and use caution in work zones for the safety of workers and the public.

Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at: www.511mt.net

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.