The jigsaw puzzle that is the elevated footbridge over South Reserve Street continues to take shape connecting the walking and biking trail from Lolo to Missoula.

Project coordinator Tod Gass with the Missoula Redevelopment Agency said the main span was lifted into place early Monday morning, but much more needs to be done.

"Right now, we're going through the process of getting all the main span pieces in place this week, which should be completed by Thursday night or Friday morning," Gass said. "They put the main arch in place on Sunday night, and that will support the bridge deck, which is being put in in five different sections, and last night they got the first two sections, one on the east side and one on the west side. I believe they'll be setting at least two more sections, and then the final middle section in, and then they'll place the roof, which is the last piece."

Gass said the bridge deck will have heated fabric to melt the snow and ice, so that the structure can be used year-round, as walkers and bicyclists will cross South Reserve at a height of about 30 feet.

"The ramps are all ADA compliant," he said."There's a five percent or less grade so that the bridge is accessible to everyone. When they come down the east side of the ramp, where there will be a 10 foot wide trail that will lead up to the corner of McDonald and Clark Street where you will diagonally cross that intersection and tie into the Bitterroot Trail."

Gass said South Reserve Street will remain closed from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. He said the project should be completed sometime in December, and he speculates the city may hold a ribbon cutting ceremony sometime in the coming spring, to take advantage of milder weather.

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