NOVEMBER 26, 2024 |
Photo – Repaired bridge on CR660 – Courtesy CCR&B
The Carbon County Road and Bridge Department is preparing to work on two bridges in the northern part of the county.
During the November 19th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz spoke about the bridge project on County Road One, also known as Medicine Bow McFadden Road, south of the town of Medicine Bow. Fritz said three companies responded to a request for proposal to resurface the bridge crossing over the Medicine Bow River.
Fritz explained that a recent inspection revealed that the road surface on the bridge must be replaced as soon as possible. The remainder of the bridge is still in acceptable condition, however.
Fritz asked to use impact assistance funding from the nearby Two Rivers Wind Energy Project, north of Medicine Bow, to pay for the bridge resurfacing.
Commissioner John Johnson said he was reluctant to allocate money from a project not slated to begin construction until 2026 and asked Fritz to find another funding source. The road and bridge supervisor said she can take money away from other projects to pay for the County Road One bridge resurfacing. The final decision is in the board’s hands.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Johnson moved to accept the lowest bid of $162,380 from Savery Creek Enterprises to resurface the bridge on County Road One. The motion was seconded and passed. Fritz said she will update the board when she finds the money to pay for the project.
Next, Fritz said county road crews are preparing to seek bids to replace the bridge on County Road 121 over Difficulty Creek. The road and bridge superintendent explained that the bridge will be removed and replaced with a culvert pipe running beneath the road. During construction, Fritz said County Road 121 will be closed in the vicinity of the bridge.
The board approved of replacing the bridge with a simple culvert pipe.
No date was given for when construction will begin on either bridge project.