Lost Johnny Bridge will go in Friday

Hungry Horse News

The bridge over Lost Johnny Creek on the West Side Reservoir Road should be replaced Friday, said Hungry Horse/Glacier View District Ranger Jimmy DeHerrera.

DeHerrera said the district was able to secure a temporary bridge from Missoula to cover the span.

The old bridge washed out during a heavy rain event June 15, which dumped about 4.5 inches of rain on the surrounding mountains.

With the bridge out, traffic to and from Spotted Bear had to be re-routed to the East Side Reservoir Road along the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Both roads are major routes to the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the South Fork of the Flathead.

The difference is the West Side Road is paved for about 24 miles, while the East Side Road is dirt the entire length.

The West Side Road also provides access to numerous lakes and recreational areas. DeHerrera said the temporary bridge cost about $61,000.

The Forest Service is seeking emergency funding to pay for the bridge, as funds had to be taken from other programs to pay for it - at least for the time being.

DeHerrera said he wasn't sure when the road would open for traffic, but it shouldn't take too many days to get the temporary bridge in.

The West Side Road is open to just before Lost Johnny Creek until the new bridge is installed.

Other roads remain damaged from the rain. Portions of the Alpha and Beta Roads are closed from slumps, and Lost Johnny Creek Road also has a washout at Otila Creek.

The rainy weather ended abruptly in the region, replaced by hot sunny weather that is expected to last through the weekend, with highs in the 80s and 90s and a slight chance of thunderstorms late in the day through the period.