Horse Creek Trail Bridge Replacement FWP-DN-Fisheries-R3-25-010

Apr 8, 2025 10:38 AM

The existing footbridge across Horse Creek, which was damaged by the 2022 flood, will be removed by helicopter. Woody debris that accumulated at the site during the flood will be removed as well. To minimize impacts to the riparian area, the new bridge will be installed across Horse Creek about 0.4 miles upstream from the old bridge location. The new bridge will be a prefabricated steel structure 60-feet long and 8-feet wide. The bridge will be supported by sills located beyond the streambanks. In accordance with the Custer-Gallatin Forest Plan, the bottom of the bridge stringer will be at least 3 feet above the 100-year water surface elevation. Such conditions will ensure the bridge has little to no effect on stream morphology, water quality, or aquatic habitat, which will significantly improve conditions in and around the stream. Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated by recontouring and reseeding with an appropriate native seed. The work will be completed by the US Forest Service between May 15, 2025, and October 31, 2025.