Maiden Rock Bridge across Big Hole River to close for weld testing
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(DILLON, Mont.) – Travelers crossing the bridge on Maiden Rock Road along the Big Hole River 30 miles south of Butte can expect delays of up to two hours Oct. 5-6 as workers test the welds on the 200-foot span.
Flaggers will be on hand those days to direct traffic as the steel joints on the single-span bridge built in 1951 are tested for strength and durability. If the testing of one weld does not require the entire two hours to complete, any waiting traffic will be allowed to pass prior to workers testing the next weld.
Older steel bridges can develop problems that impact their functionality and safety. The Army Corps of Engineers is working with the BLM on a pilot project to conduct ultrasonic testing on bridges. This will help determine if there are developing defects that can be fixed earlier than if they were spotted once they developed cracks under a typical visual inspection.
For more information, contact the Dillon Field Office at (406) 683-8050.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.