With the travel season fast approaching, Montana is taking note for what is to come, especially in the western part of the state. The growing towns in the Treasure state have seen a spike in the population. Despite the fact that Missoula, Flathead, and Ravalli Counties were all less populated in 2023, the rise has been apparent since the post-COVID waves of the pandemic.
The biggest concern amongst officials is the infrastructure around the state. A recent report said that many of Montana’s bridges are “nearing the end of their design life”. There is about $400 million in repairs and restorations in Missoula County alone so that everything can be up to code.
The problem with expanding infrastructure is for county budgets being affected in losing more than is gained. As the infrastructure becomes older or has taken its toll through the winter months, the services needed to fix and restore roads and bridges becomes more expensive, which brings up the rush period that is coming to Montana in the coming months.
This story was excerpted from the Montana Free Press. (https://montanafreepress.org/2024/04/25/population-growth-tourism-weigh-heavy-on-western-montanas-aging-roads/)
