Tester Urges Biden Administration to Act Quickly to Help Replace Historic Noxon Bridge

In letter to Secretary of Transportation, Senator asks agency to help Montana deploy funding from his bipartisan infrastructure law to replace the bridge

Continuing his efforts to repair and replace critical infrastructure across Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today urged the Biden Administration to act swiftly to help the State of Montana replace the Noxon Bridge and fully restore access to Noxon's downtown area. In a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Tester points out that his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(IIJA) has funds support the State of Montana's construction of a new bridge.

"This historic bridge is critically important to the economic success and safety of the Noxon community," Tester wrote. "In the coming weeks, I ask that you prioritize working with MDT and the local community to develop a plan to swiftly deploy funds from my bipartisan infrastructure legislation to replace the Noxon Bridge and fully restore access to Noxon's downtown area."

"I am worried about the immediate effects that the restrictions on this important roadway will have on the ability for Noxon residents and folks who conduct business in the area to travel to and from Noxon's main street," Tester continued. "Furthermore, I am concerned about the ability of emergency services vehicles to travel in and out of downtown should an emergency occur in the area…I ask that you work to support Montana's efforts to replace the historic Noxon Bridge. I stand ready to work with you on this important matter."

In July, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) issued a bridge closure order to Sanders County for the Noxon Bridge citing public safety concerns. Officials completed temporary repairs on the bridge in July, however, traffic flow is heavily restricted and an engineering firm hired to evaluate the bridge has recommended full bridge replacement as soon as possible. The historic Noxon Bridge provides the main access to the town of Noxon from Highway 200 and serves a critical role for the town's infrastructure, logging operations, school bus transportation, postal service and general operations.

Tester has led the charge to repair and replace critical infrastructure across Montana. He negotiated the bipartisan infrastructure law with five Republicans and four Democrats and was the only member of Montana's congressional delegation to vote for it. Tester secured significant wins for Montana in the legislation, including $2.82 billion for Montana's roads, highways and bridges. Tester also worked to ensure that all iron, steel, and construction materials used for these projects must be made in America.

This year, Montana will receive $45 million through the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) Bridge Formula Program funded by IIJA, $6.75 million of which must be used for off-system bridges like the Noxon Bridge.

You can read the full text of the letter HERE.