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The new Higgins Avenue Bridge likely will have a combined pedestrian and bike lane that’s three times as wide as the current sidewalk, after Missoula City Council's Public Works Committee unanimously approved funding for the project Wednesday.

The city promised Montana Department of Transportation it would pay up to $1.6 million of the $11.6 million bridge, in order to install a 13-foot overhanging fiber reinforced panel from the west side of the bridge.

Transportation and Planning Manager Jessica Morriss said the fiber is “significantly lighter in weight, but has the same strength as normal concrete.”

The added piece would jut out into the air over Caras Park, widening the bridge and allowing for the existing bridge's four lanes of traffic and 12-foot bike/pedestrian lane on the east side.

Morriss said she still strongly recommended widening the bridge, even if the city decides to reformat Higgins into a three-lane street with improved bike lanes from Brooks Street to Broadway.

“It would provide that flexibility for the future, for the next 50 to 75 years,” she said.

City Engineer Kevin Slovarp said the $1.6 million will come from the Transportation Impact Fee budget, which is paid into by new developments.