Utility Gas Line in Way of Bridge Repairs

APRIL 25, 2025 |

Photo – Carbon County Official Seal – Bigfoot99 file photo

Carbon County officials have postponed a decision to fund the relocation of a resident’s utility line for a bridge replacement project in the Little Snake River Valley.

In March of 2022, Carbon County Road and Bridge Coordinator Kandis Fritz identified four bridges that need to be replaced or rehabilitated: the French Creek Road Bridge on County Road 660, the Elk Mountain Arlington Road Bridge on County Road 402, the Baggs Dixon Road Bridge on County Road 702, and the Baggs Four Mile Road Bridge on County Road 603. Fritz explained that WYDOT, using federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will pay the entire cost to replace any of the listed bridges.

At the April 15^th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Fritz said WYDOT is preparing to replace the Four Mile Road Bridge on County Road 603, southwest of Baggs. She reminded the board that the county is not required to contribute any money toward the project.

However, Fritz said a nearby landowner may need to relocate a four-inch gas utility line that runs along the existing bridge. The Road and Bridge Coordinator asked the Board to provide financial assistance to the landowner.

Fritz said without a signed agreement between the landowner and WYDOT, the bridge replacement project may be canceled. The Road and Bridge Coordinator added that moving the gas utility line is estimated to cost roughly $100,000.

Commissioner John Espy agreed that the bridge replacement project should not be put at risk because of the gas utility line. Commissioner Espy said since the project is entirely federally funded, the county should help the landowner pay to move the line.

Fritz asked the Board to help the landowner relocate the gas line. If the utility company is unwilling to assist with the cost, Fritz said the county should step up and help pay for the project.

Commissioner John Johnson raised concerns about committing county funds before the landowner and utility company reach an agreement. Road and Bridge Coordinator Fritz suggested that the Board could set a maximum contribution limit. Commissioner Johnson said he feared that if the county set an amount it is willing to contribute, the utility company may adjust the cost of relocating the gas line to match that figure.

Commission Chairman Travis Moore said the Board is willing to help but agreed that the county should not commit itself to the project until after the utility company provides a cost estimate.

The board of commissioners decided not to contribute to the cost of paying to relocate on County Road 603 until the utility company provides a cost estimate. However, the Board agreed to convene a special meeting to make a decision if WYDOT requires an immediate response.