Park proposes replacing historic Many Glacier bridge

Glacier National Park is considering replacing the aging bridge over Swiftcurrent Creek in Many Glacier with a single-span structure — a move the Park admits is at odds with the historic character of the area.

A public scoping document released last week notes the bridge was built in 1930 as part of the Many Glacier Road. It provides the only road access to the Many Glacier Hotel over Swiftcurrent Creek.

The 85-foot long concrete bridge includes four stone piers and two stone abutments, which blend the structure into the landscape. The bridge has seen some work over the years, none of it recently. In 1942, the bridge piers were reinforced with steel pins, new concrete and protective steel shields to further guard against ice erosion. In 1958, the deck was paved and new concrete was laid over adjacent walkways.

Park officials say the bridge is “rapidly losing its structural integrity” and within 10 years would not be able to safely accommodate motor vehicles.

The deck is severely damaged, and the abutments and piers are in disrepair. The Park would like to replace it with a longer, single-span bridge. Four interior piers would be removed and the new abutments would be placed farther apart.

The scoping document does not include conceptual drawings for a new structure but says it would keep the same low profile as the existing bridge.

Replacing the bridge in that manner, however, “would be an adverse effect” under the National Historic Preservation Act.

The bridge replacement would happen after the Many Glacier Hotel is closed for the season.

Public comments can be submitted online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/swiftcurrentbridge or by mailing them to Swiftcurrent Bridge EA, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier MT 59936. Deadline is Dec. 10.