Work continues on Dalton Bridge replacement

Work to replace the Dalton Mountain Road Bridge is continuing. Sletten, the construction contractor, has removed the old bridge. Lewis and Clark County has graded the detour route, and Sletten applied magnesium chloride to control dust.

Earlier this week, crews began building the contractor's work structure for the cranes and other equipment to utilize during construction. The first step, driving piles that will support the structure, is in progress and will continue into next week. Nearby residents should expect noise during pile-driving operations. Workers will also be installing stone riprap on the south bank of the river this week. The riprap is designed to protect the new structure and stabilize the riverbank.

Next week, weather and other factors permitting, crews will begin work on the drilled shafts for the bridge. This entails drilling cylindrical shafts into the ground and filling them with concrete. Drilled shafts provide a strong foundation for the new bridge. Nearby residents should expect some minor noise associated with this work. Crews will also continue placing riprap on the south side of the river and building the work structure.