Montana court orders demolition of code-violating bridge

KALISPELL — A Montana Supreme Court ruling orders the demolition of a bridge connecting to private land on Flathead Lake's north shore.

The Daily Inter Lake reported Wednesday that the state Supreme Court earlier this month found Flathead County officials issued an invalid construction permit for the 519-foot bridge near Bigfork.

Records say it was built by Jolene Dugan and her father because high water levels often turned their property into an island.

The Community Association for North Shore Conservation has fought against the bridge, claiming it obstructed the lake's scenic qualities.

A district court judge ruled in 2016 the county violated a law prohibiting roads in the lakeshore protection zone unless they serve boat ramps.

Dugan's attorney did not respond to calls for comment.