Commissioners Discuss Bridges in Carbon County

4/7/2025 |

Bigfoot 99 file photo

Carbon County officials discussed the necessity of replacing rarely used bridges with more expensive alternatives through the state highway department.

During the April 1^st Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz presented a contract from WYDOT. The agreement would allow WYDOT to conduct a study to determine the most effective replacement for a bridge on County Road 680, over the Encampment River, and a second bridge County Road Three over the Medicine Bow River.

The two bridges would be secured through the WYDOT Bridge Replacement Off System, known as the “BROS” program.

County Attorney Ashley Davis reviewed the contract and said it requires the county to contribute $11,000 toward the bridge reconnaissance studies. The county’s original estimate was expected to be closer to $10,000. Attorney Davis said the county must still provide WYDOT with a 9.51% grant match.

An estimate for the final cost to replace both bridges has not been announced at this time.

Commissioner John Johnson mentioned the Savery Creek bridge replacement project, where WYDOT chose to construct a high-end bridge on a seldom-traveled road. As with the current the current projects, WYDOT required the county to reimburse the state if they chose to withdraw from the agreement. Commissioner Johnson said he would like to avoid putting the county in the same situation with the two proposed bridge replacements now under discussion.

County Attorney Ashley Davis explained that the $11,000 listed in the contract only covers the cost to have WYDOT study the existing bridges and determine the best replacement. If the county fails to begin construction within WYDOT’s timeline, it will be financially responsible for the project.

Attorney Davis advised the board not to sign the agreement if they do not intend to finish the bridge replacement projects.

Commissioner Johnson said he wasn’t disparaging the Bridge Replacement Off System program, saying that the county successfully used BROS to fund a new bridge in Elk Mountain. However, the commissioner said he would like to ask WYDOT whether less expensive replacement bridges could be installed on the two, remote, lightly traveled roads.

Commissioner Johnson was referring to the October 15^th county commissioners’ meeting, where the board heard a presentation by representatives from Stahly Engineering and Associates.

Stahly Engineering President Greg Benjamin explained that WYDOT tends to prefer installing federally approved bridges capable of withstanding a once-in-a-century flood. However, Benjamin said the state agency can be persuaded to install bridges that are specific to the needs of each location.

At the April 1^st meeting, Commissioner John Espy said he shared Commissioner Johnson’s frustration. Commissioner Espy said he believes that WYDOT pushes for more expensive bridges when a more cost-effective replacement would suffice.

Like Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Espy expressed regret over the Savery Creek bridge replacement project. The commissioner suggested that WYDOT should have opted for a more affordable bridge rather than the costly alternative that was installed.

Commissioner Espy suggested that the county could use taxpayer funds more effectively by constructing less robust bridges on off-system roads. However, the commissioner admitted that the county may not have the authority to make demands of WYDOT in regards to BROS projects.

Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett said she was under the impression that an engineering firm, such as Stahly Engineering could petition WYDOT to use a different type of bridge, even under the BROS program.

Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz said in the past, WYDOT has shown a willingness to listen to her concerns.

The board agreed to contract with WYDOT for the recon study on the bridge over the Encampment River. The commissioners decided to delay the County Road Three bridge contract until County Attorney Davis can meet with representatives from the state agency to discuss the possibility of constructing a more affordable alternative.