Replacement of Markley Bridge in Gallatin Canyon Will Impact River and Trailhead Access

Bozeman, MT—The Bozeman Ranger District on the Custer Gallatin National Forest continues to make progress on replacing the Markley Bridge, commonly referred to as the “Green Bridge,” in Gallatin Canyon. Work began March 9 and will progress into the summer season until complete.

The Markley Bridge, situated over the Gallatin River, serves as a critical access point to the Deer Creek Trailhead, located approximately four miles north of Big Sky along Highway 191. With construction underway, the Deer Creek Trailhead will be inaccessible for the duration of the project. As a result, Deer Creek Trail will be closed between the trailhead and the junction of Table Mountain Trail (NFST #445). All other trailheads in the canyon providing access into the Gallatin and Madison Ranges will be open for recreational use. The public is encouraged to visit the Custer Gallatin National Forest website to explore recreational opportunities and view the full closure order in place.

For the first phase of the project, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will implement a closure of the river from March 9 through May 18. This closure will temporarily restrict boating on the Gallatin River from the Upper Deer Creek boat launch—located just above Markley Bridge—to the Portal Creek boat launch. Boaters will still be able to put in at the Portal Creek boat launch and float downstream. Wade angling and other walk-in use will continue to be allowed, except in the immediate area of bridge construction.  The river will remain open to the public in all other locations outside the closure area.

The Forest Service is collaborating with the Montana Department of Transportation to manage traffic control on Highway 191. A full closure of Highway 191 will not occur; however, single lane closures and delays of up to 15 minutes may take place between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The forthcoming project will significantly improve vehicle safety by facilitating better ingress and egress on the highway, featuring a wider, two-lane bridge capable of accommodating highway legal loads. 

“The Custer Gallatin National Forest acknowledges the value the community places on this bridge and as a result has ensured that design features will incorporate similar aesthetics,” said Grant Morrison, Custer Gallatin National Forest Civil Engineer. “Initial considerations for making the new bridge “green” were explored, but the long-term maintenance needs and associated costs were determined to be unsustainable.”

Jon Gellings, Bozeman District Ranger, stated, “While we recognize that this work has short- term impacts on the public, we are excited to provide future recreational opportunities at the Deer Creek Trailhead and ensure safe access using the two-lane new bridge.”

This project is made possible through funding from the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, which enables federal land managers to address deferred maintenance projects due to previous funding constraints.

For updates on the project or related closures, please contact the Bozeman Ranger District at 406-522-2520. 

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.