<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=03FiuH_12EW4WFa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=03FiuH_12EW4WFa00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Photo By: Joee Taylor, NonStop Local Senior Multimedia Journalist</figcaption></figure>GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Concerns arose in Great Falls after email headlines claimed the 15th Street Bridge was unsafe. However, officials clarified that the bridge remains safe for regular drivers.The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) addressed the confusion after an official email notice mentioned critical findings and even used the term "bridge failure.""Even for me this morning when I saw the headline, you know, bridge failure on 15th Street Bridge, this is not a bridge failure," said Jim Wingerter, Great Falls District Administrator for MDT.MDT explained that the alarming language led to unnecessary worry. The recent bi-annual bridge inspection did find issues, but they were related to sidewalk concrete deterioration, not a structural failure."They found some deteriorating concrete. Some falling concrete on top just outside the bridge rail," Wingerter said. "So, it's really not an issue for pedestrians. But in a precautionary mode, a safety mode, we wanted to make sure that that we're posting that bridge for overweight posted load limits."MDT advised that large permitted loads should use the 9th Street Bridge. Everyday drivers, however, will not notice any difference. No new signage will be posted and the bridge remains safe for regular traffic."We take great care in our roadways. When we find an issue, we jump on those issues right away and let the public know when either a load posting, a permitting posting," Wingerter added. "Safety is the number one concern at the Department of Transportation."Plans are underway to address the crumbling sidewalk concrete. Wingerter mentioned that repairs could involve surface coatings or other measures to prevent further deterioration.</div></body>

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GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Concerns arose in Great Falls after email headlines claimed the 15th Street Bridge was unsafe. However, officials clarified that the bridge remains safe for regular drivers. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) addressed the confusion after an official email notice mentioned critical findings and even...

Great Falls bridge safe for regular drivers despite concerns

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GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Concerns arose in Great Falls after email headlines claimed the 15th Street Bridge was unsafe. However, officials clarified that the b

Great Falls bridge safe for regular drivers despite concerns

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