WEB EXTRA Armed Forces Memorial Bridge history, update

Crews and plenty of new roads signs moved into Polson last week, with Saturday marking the official start of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge repaving process. Traffic lights at either end of the bridge direct drivers over the now one-lane bridge. The north lane is currently blocked off for crews to begin the resurfacing. Wind over the bridge was intense through Wednesday.

Cars were seen backed up near the KwaTaqNuk Resort on Monday, waiting in the snow for a turn across the bridge.

The original, double approach bridge was built in 1910. The two way bipass came out of a dispute from local business owners not wanted to lose traffic to one side of the street, Gil Mangles said.

A sheriff's deputy from Flathead County had to be called in to quell the fighting. The double approach was the compromise in the end.

Mangles family came to the area in 1911, and watched the first bridge being built. Mangles has a collection of old bridge photos at the Miracle of America Museum.

The double approach bridge was replaced around 1927, and the bridge was updated again in 1927.

City, state and construction company officials will be monitoring the traffic and detour situation as construction continues. City manager James Raymond said in an earlier interview that adjustments can be made to the situation if necessary.

The process is scheduled to last through May 31.