Built in 1894, the Old Steel Bridge over the Flathead River, east of Kalispell, outlived its design life by decades. For many years before it met its demise it was rickety, dangerous, and something of an adventure to cross. But it was picturesque — and here, as a salute to the old and new, are a few image of both bridges.
This was the view of the old bridge from near the boat launch site on the west side of the river.
A mile upstream, Montana Highway 35 (old Highway 2) crosses the Flathead. I make this photograph from the Highway 35 bridge. Note there is virtually no snow cover in the lowlands.
Here’s the new bridge under construction. If you look closely, you can see the concrete pilings from the old bridge. Snow still covers the lowlands.
The new bridge under construction from downstream.
Taken from the same spot as the photograph above. I do not remember the underwater rocks as being so coated with crud, and wonder how the removal of the old bridge and the construction of the new is affecting the water. I'll keep an eye on this.