The new North Fork Cabin Bridge was completed last week.
The old North Fork Cabin Bridge.
SEELEY LAKE - The North Fork Cabin bridge replacement project is complete. The trail closure has been lifted ahead of hunting season.
The bridge reconstruction began July 22. The bridge provides access over the North Fork of the Blackfoot River near the North Fork Cabin on Trail 32. Trail 32 is a major travel corridor for outfitters, guides and the public to access the Scapegoat Wilderness.
The Seeley Lake Ranger District's goal was to complete the project ahead of the majority of the hunting season. They said the closure, originally in place until Sept. 15, would be lifted early if possible.
The District received an exemption to fly building materials via helicopter since the worksite is located in the Scapegoat Wilderness. This lessened the impacts of the construction duration on the travel corridor and cut down pack trips necessary to transport materials for employee safety.
The District said contractors from Oregon Woods Inc. finished well ahead of schedule and put forth a momentous effort despite being short staffed.
"We can't thank the contractors and Lolo National Forest engineering staff enough," said Quinn Carver, Seeley Lake District Ranger. "The bridge looks beautiful and will last us well into the future, providing essential and safe wilderness access for the public, hunters, outfitters, guides and their stock."
For more information please contact the Seeley Lake Ranger District at 406-677-2233.
Reader Comments(0)