The Northside Pedestrian Bridge was a go-to
for sustainable commuters, an indispensable
connection between the Northside and the rest of town. Now that it is closed until structural repairs are made, it’s important to know your options. Staff from multiple departments and agencies are working to improve each of these detour routes and alternative options. As the City learns more about the condition of the Northside Bridge and a schedule for repairs, we will continue to provide updates. Until repairs are completed, try out the detour routes below or reach out to us if you would like to schedule a ride-along.
northside pedestrian bridge
For questions, call Parks Services and Systems Superintendent, David Selvage at (406) 552-6252
Updates
The sidewalk on the Westside of the Orange Street Underpass is in need of repairs so the City’s Streets Division is making it a priority.
Starting Thursday (Oct 12) the west side sidewalk (SoupFarm side) will be closed and under construction. The east side will remain open. Brain Hensel, Deputy Public Works Director -Streets, said that the west side sidewalk should open back up around Oct 27.
Check back for more updates.
The City of Missoula closed the Northside Pedestrian Bridge on September 30 for safety considerations when significant fractures were discovered in the bridge decking and supports. The City hired engineers to analyze the extent of the damage and design solutions to repair or replace the failing structures. The bridge will remain closed until repairs are completed.
Mayor Jordan Hess says re-opening the bridge is a top priority for the City. "This is an important transportation corridor in Missoula. We recognize that and take it very seriously." City officials hope to start construction in early 2023.
DETOURS
The Scott Street Bridge has bike lanes on both sides and a sidewalk on the westside. This sidewalk can be accessed on the north without having to cross Scott St itself: follow Stoddard St to the end, go under the bridge, and use the ramp to access the sidewalk. Whether walking, biking, or rolling, the bridge’s incline is fairly steep and may require some exertion to get up and some caution going down. The sidewalk has a handrail on one side and a tall fence on the other, narrowing the available space for people walking. People on bikes are encouraged to walk if using the sidewalk instead of the bike lanes.
There are sidewalks running along both sides of the Orange St underpass, accessible by ramps from N 2nd St and Alder St, or by stairs from the east and west sides of N 1st St and the east side of Railroad St. Remember your lights when biking through the underpass, and be sure to walk your bicycle if using the narrow sidewalks. The City is working with MDT to address some of the crumbling sidewalk conditions and ensure the lights in the underpass are functioning properly.
.png)
The Scott Street Bridge has bike lanes on both sides and a sidewalk on the westside. This sidewalk can be accessed on the north without having to cross Scott St itself: follow Stoddard St to the end, go under the bridge, and use the ramp to access the sidewalk. Whether walking, biking, or rolling, the bridge’s incline is fairly steep and may require some exertion to get up and some caution going down. The sidewalk has a handrail on one side and a tall fence on the other, narrowing the available space for people walking. People on bikes are encouraged to walk if using the sidewalk instead of the bike lanes.
Mountain Line's Route 3 bus has recently seen some significant changes. It has switched directions, from clockwise to counter. It now runs north on Orange St, west on N 5th, north on Worden, west on Turner, north on Dickens, west on Rodgers, south on Scott, and east on Spruce back to the transfer center. This bus runs every hour, from 5:30am – 8:45pm on weekdays and 8:30am – 8:45pm on weekends.
