APRIL
2008
 What:
Old
Steel Bridge
97 years old
Bigfork icon
The Swan River near Bigfork was at first forded at low water
and crossed by ferry in high water. In 1907 a wooden bridge was
built. This bridge was replaced by the existing steel Pratt
truss bridge in 1911. The “old steel bridge” was fabricated by
the AY Bayne Company in a Minneapolis factory and shipped to the
site on the Great Northern.
Why:
This bridge brings joy to the
Bigfork locals all year ‘round.
In winter the Bigfork Elves climb aboard cherry pickers to
decorate it’s most high trusses with fresh garlands and lights.
Decades old wooden elf decorations are placed to smile down from
the entrances. Local artists often choose it for the Annual
Bigfork Christmas Card scene. In summer, kids of all ages take
huge delight in jumping from the side rails to the chilly Swan
River below. There is just something very Montana about this.
Passing motorists often shout words of encouragement to hesitant
jumpers. On the occasional very hot afternoon it can be
difficult to drive across the bridge for all the people standing
on it.
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This gem is a One Lane bridge.
Yes, they still exist (even in The US!)
This bridge makes you slow down and remember your manners.
Newcomers to the bridge are often startled when they first
encounter it and fail to notice the yield side on the high
(west) side of the bridge. But missed (ignored) far more is the
‘One Car at a Time’ sign. For locals using this bridge it’s like
a well rehearsed dance – you go, then I go. Turns are
taken. There is no real rush to get across. Hands are waved.
Heads are nodded. And, if no one is waiting on the other side,
we will still wait for you to get across. What’s the hurry?
Where:
Turn east off Highway 35 onto Bridge Street at Trinity Village.
Just past Sliters Park at the south entrance to the village of
Bigfork, MT.
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