NORMAL STREET BRIDGE PROJECT
The Beaverhead Trails Coalition (BTC) is partnering with the City of Dillon to replace the Normal Street Bridge. The new bridge will span the Dillon Canal between Washington and Pacific Streets and improve accessibility on both sides.
Thanks to our 2022 Giving Tuesday donors, the Sloan Family Foundation, Bicentennial Inc., Montana FWP Trail Stewardship Grant Program, and others we have now raised $88,000 for the final design, fabrication, and installation of the new bridge and ADA-compliant approaches and street crossing ramps.
The bridge has been fabricated and is ready for installation the first part of 2025. Funding for signage and replacement of adjoining sidewalks is now being pursued.
Read on for more about the project and WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT below.
Play the video for a tour of the project
November 2022 (Before Bridge Removal).
BRIDGE HISTORY AND PROJECT information
Until recently, the Normal Street Bridge spanned the Dillon Canal between Washington and Pacific streets, (see maps and photos below). Not only has the bridge provided an important connection on the southwest side of Dillon, but it has been identified as a key feature of a safe walk/bike route between the northwest and southwest parts of Dillon. This route includes a historic residential district with the original Dillon Victorian-style mansions (like the first building built in Dillon: the Orr Mansion), as well as the University of Montana Western campus and the hospital. This route is part of a planned network of safe, accessible, and enjoyable routes and trails for pedestrians and bicyclists as well.
Normal Street Bridge Location
Long-time residents’ memories of the bridge date back at least to the 1960’s. Unfortunately, the bridge and sidewalks on either side have fallen into disrepair. The City of Dillon flagged the bridge as needing maintenance as far back as the 1980’s but budgetary and other constraints resulted in significant maintenance being deferred. The City concluded that it is was unsafe and removed it in the Winter of 2022-23. A grass roots effort is under way to replace it and make other improvements on either side.
Looking East from Washington
Looking West from Pacific St
Seen better days!
support the Normal St Bridge Project
1) HELP FUND THE PROJECT WITH YOUR CONTRIBUTION
As described at the top of this page, funding for most of the $88,000 cost of the project has been secured but we will still have a $14,500 shortfall if we are to complete the entire project.
Click here to contribute to the Normal Street Bridge Project. Please specify “Normal Street Bridge” in the “Additional Information” field.
2) Express YOUR SUPPORT WITH A letter OR EMAIL
Evidence of support for the project is very important for fundraising and we have an immediate need for inclusion in the MDT TAP Grant Application. Your letter or email supporting the project by April 1st, 2023 could be crucial to winning the award.
Email to beaverheadtrails@gmail.com with “Normal Street Bridge” in the subject. Address a letter to: Beaverhead Trails Coalition, P.O. Box 586, Dillon, Mt 59725 and post it to the same address or send as an email attachment. Open the Normal Street Bridge support letter help file for more information including talking point ideas, an example of a support letter and guidelines for submitting your email or letter. We will include both emails and letters with grant applications.
3) FILL OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE
Survey results included in our grant applications can also help. Please complete a short questionnaire here.
Normal Street Bridge Use Questionnaire
To complete the questionnaire online, scan the QR code below or browse to the Normal Street Bridge Online Questionnaire.
Or fill in a hardcopy by clicking Normal Street Bridge Questionnaire PDF File to download the file. Send the completed questionnaire to beaverheadtrails@gmail.com or P.O. Box 586, Dillon, MT 59725.
10/10/2024