County Hosts Public Meeting on Craig Missouri River Bridge Closure

All traffic across the Missouri River Bridge at Craig will be halted for two weeks beginning April 13 for maintenance and safety improvements, Lewis & Clark County has announced, with a public information meeting set for April 8 to walk residents through what to expect before work begins.

The closure runs through April 27, redirecting all vehicle and pedestrian traffic to alternative routes during a stretch that falls squarely at the heart of spring fishing season on the Missouri River. County officials have not yet released specific detour routes, making the April 8 meeting the first opportunity for Craig residents, commuters, and business owners to get those answers.

The meeting is Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Volunteer Fire Department Gymnasium, 375 Augusta Street in Craig. County officials said the agenda will cover the temporary closure and related community topics.

Anglers stand to feel the disruption most sharply. The Missouri River near Craig draws fly fishers from across the region in April, and the bridge is the primary connection between Craig's riverside business district and river access on both sides of the water. Those planning to reach boat ramps at Stickney, Spite Hill, and the Dearborn will face a longer roundabout drive via the freeway, while access to Wolf Creek and Holter Dam ramps through Interstate 15 is comparatively straightforward. Emergency response routing is an open question heading into the closure, and the April 8 meeting is expected to outline how ambulance and fire coverage will be coordinated during the 14-day shutdown.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks representatives will also attend to present an update on the Craig Fishing Access Site overflow parking project, an issue that has drawn persistent complaints from anglers during peak summer weekends on one of Montana's most-fished trout rivers.

Residents with questions about detour specifics, contractor schedules, or special access arrangements for critical services can contact the Lewis & Clark County Road and Bridge Division at 406-447-8031. Those unable to attend in person can also submit written questions through the county's website ahead of the meeting.