‘We’re excited for the future,’ forest service says on bridge replacements, improvements
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
Custer Gallatin National Forest announced that the new Markley Bridge, known as the “Green Bridge” to longtime Gallatin Canyon visitors, is now open. Its former nickname may not stick without its shade of green, but the CGNF shared that the improvements will benefit visitors.
“We’re excited for the future of this area—safer access, improved trailhead infrastructure and a brand-new two-lane bridge designed to serve the community for decades to come,” CGNF stated in its Aug. 28 announcement.
The Markley Bridge arches over the Gallatin River, connecting U.S. Highway 191 to the Deer Creek trailhead. During the project, CGNF also improved the parking lot area and the portion of Deer Creek Trail to its intersection with Table Mountain Trail.
The Great American Outdoors Act funded the bridge replacement with $2,473,136 over multiple years. Crews began the replacement on March 1 of this year, and noted that unfortunately, costs would impede the bridge from keeping its green color. Grant Morrison, CGNF civil engineer, stated in a March 12 release that the bridge would keep some of its original aesthetics.
“Initial considerations for making the new bridge ‘green’ were explored, but the long-term maintenance needs and associated costs were determined to be unsustainable,” Morrison said.
Some utility work will continue in the following weeks, but the official announcement marks the next phase for a favorite area for visitors and locals alike.
“A huge thank you to you partners at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Department of Transportation for coordinating river and traffic management during construction, and to everyone who showed patience throughout closures,” the August release stated.
