Northside Pedestrian Bridge Project

Northside Pedestrian Bridge remains closed; extensive repairs needed

May 2023 Update

The repair and safe reopening of the bridge is a top priority for Mayor Hess, the Missoula City Council, and City staff in Parks, Transportation, and Administration. Pending a successful bid process for the repairs, project managers hope to reopen the bridge in late 2023.

The City closed the Northside Pedestrian Bridge in September 2022 for safety considerations when significant fractures were discovered in the bridge decking and supports. The City has hired engineers to analyze the extent of the damage and design solutions to repair the failing structures. The bridge will remain closed until repairs are completed. 

• The bridge deck was scheduled for repair in 2021 when engineers found additional damage in the masonry bridge supports.
• Engineers regularly monitored the structure throughout its lifespan and recommended the closure to protect public safety until repairs could be completed.
• Engineers are currently analyzing the damage and designing solutions to repair the bridge.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to the Northside-Westside Neighborhood Council Notify Me list to receive periodic updates about the bridge project.

Alternate Routes

The Northside Pedestrian Bridge was a go-to for sustainable commuters, an indispensable connection between the Northside and the rest of town. Now that it is closed until structural repairs are made, knowing your options is important. 

1. Scott Street Bridge: The Scott Street Bridge has bike lanes on both sides and a sidewalk on the west side. This sidewalk can be accessed on the north without having to cross Scott St itself: follow Stoddard St to the end, go under the bridge, and use the ramp to access the sidewalk. Whether walking, biking, or rolling, the bridge’s incline is fairly steep and may require some exertion to get up and some caution going down. The sidewalk has a handrail on one side and a tall fence on the other, narrowing the available space for people walking. People on bikes are encouraged to walk if using the sidewalk instead of the bike lanes.  
2. Orange Street Underpass: There are sidewalks running along both sides of the Orange St underpass, accessible by ramps from N 2nd St and Alder St, or by stairs from the east and west sides of N 1st St and the east side of Railroad St. Remember your lights when biking through the underpass, and be sure to walk your bicycle if using the narrow sidewalks. The City is working with MDT to address some of the crumbling sidewalk conditions and ensure the lights in the underpass are functioning properly.  One side of the sidewalks will remain open during repairs.
3. North 2nd Street East: Perhaps the most comfortable of these routes for people riding bikes, N 2nd St has designated bike lanes from A St to Greenough and low traffic volumes. This route does cross the tracks at grade, so give yourself a little extra time in case a train interrupts your trip. There are no sidewalks along this street, though many people use the shoulders of the roadway for walking. 
4. Mountain Line: The Route 3 bus has recently seen some significant changes. It has switched directions, from clockwise to counter. It now runs north on Orange St, west on N 5th, north on Worden, west on Turner, north on Dickens, west on Rodgers, south on Scott, and east on Spruce back to the transfer center. This bus runs every hour, from 5:30 am – 8:45 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am – 8:45 pm on weekends.  Download the app for the best transit experience.