The Bonner Pedestrian Bridge, also known as the Black Bridge, won the Honor Award for Structural Systems from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Montana. The project is the first known major bridge truss span lengthening project, expanding the bridge from 166.5 to 222 feet across the Blackfoot River.

Residents and officials on the project are pleased with the modern and accessible pedestrian bridge. The unique design was the culmination of efforts to retain the historic character of the original bridge that are important to the Bonner and Milltown communities while ensuring it complies with engineering standards.

The public opening of the bridge garnered much attention last year with notable elected officials attending including Senators Baucus and Tester and Governor Schweitzer.

The ACEC-Montana will honor the Pedestrian Bridge and other projects at the Montana Engineering Honors Banquet. As a recipient of the award, the project will be entered in the 2010 ACEC-National Engineering Excellence Awards competition.