James York - Bridge Designer & Innovator

— Bridge Designer & Industry Expert

James York

James York shaped the modern timber bridge industry. In 1985, he set out to reimagine what timber structures could be, combining structural integrity, longevity, and architectural beauty at a time when the industry was still finding its footing. Over the next four decades, York pioneered timber bridge design and construction in the United States and abroad, delivering thousands of vehicular, pedestrian, boardwalk, and covered bridges across four continents.

His work earned national recognition within the infrastructure and engineering community, including features in leading industry publications such as Roads & Bridges, where his approach to timber bridge construction was highlighted for its innovation, scale, and craftsmanship. These projects became benchmarks—bridges designed not only to function, but to belong to the landscapes and communities they serve.

After 38 years at the forefront of the field, James stepped away.

But legacy has a way of calling you back.

Today, he returns with Montana Bridge Company—a nationwide timber bridge firm built on decades of hard-earned experience, deep technical knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From complex vehicular crossings to scenic pedestrian bridges and timeless covered structures, every project reflects the principles that have guided James York’s career from the beginning: build with integrity, design with purpose, and create structures meant to endure.