1.
Montana Conservation Corps crews begin by removing side tie-beams. Bolts were frozen so beams had to be removed with chisels, axes and hammers.

2.
The crew filled this roll-off container 3 times with chunks of removed side planks and timbers that were replaced.

3.
Crew begins shifting the longest timbers to center of the steel I-beams in preparation for the new deck and railings.

4.
Original timbers were notched to fit the tops of the I-beams, so had to be re-notched before being reinstalled in their new positions.

5.
Workers splice in new timbers for one of the 5 future “lookout” areas to contain interpretive panels and benches.

6.
Crew members begin installing the treated sub-deck and north side railing posts.

7.
YEP Group Home residents spent several Saturdays priming and painting new steel railing supports.

8.
MCC crew hams it up while installing the first of many treated railing planks.

9.
The crew completes the assembly and installation of north side posts and railings.

10.
The sub-deck is finally completed and ready for the new decking to arrive.

11.
Alex Smithson, Orrin Hart, Vaughn Tlustosch, Mike Hoskinson, Jake Zander and trusty Econoline van, Summer, 2001.

12.
First bundle of composite 2x6 decking is delivered by Forklift.

13.
Crew installs the first section of decking – only 930’ to go.


14.
Crew continues decking towards the east end of the bridge.

15.
Crew splices treated 2x10s to support sub-deck on the eastern-most span of the bridge.

16.
Concrete crews begin pouring the new east approach linking the bridge to existing trail and sidewalks.

17.
Crew waits on the completed deck for the first rolls of fence fabric to arrive.

18.
RTI Board members enjoy a break from a meeting on the completed bridge.