September 26, 2023 |
Photo – WYDOT Logo – Bigfoot99 file photo
The town of Saratoga is set to receive a free bridge from WYDOT.
Saratoga officials were approached in June by the Wyoming Department of Transportation about the bridge on Texas Trail. The structure connects the neighborhood behind the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort to the operation’s golf course. Due to the deteriorating condition of the structure, WYDOT, the agency responsible for inspecting all bridges in the state, lowered the maximum weight the bridge can safely tolerate.
The bridge is the town’s only way fire trucks can respond to emergencies into the neighborhood on the other side of the river. With the bridge no longer able to support the weight of a fire truck, the Saratoga Fire Department must cross the North Platte at a shallow spot in the river. Driving through the river is not an option in times of high water.
During the June 6th town council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said WYDOT offered to build a brand-new bridge. At the time, Mayor Davis said the state agency required proof that the town of Saratoga owned the bridge. Mayor Davis said the town was given the bridge nearly 40 years ago.
At the September 19th town council meeting, Mayor Davis said he provided WYDOT with proof that the bridge is owned by the town. The mayor said with the council’s approval, the state transportation agency will replace the bridge at no cost unless the town would like to keep the existing bridge for use in another project.
Mayor Davis said Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip reviewed and approved the WYDOT contract.
Councilman Jerry Fluty suggested asking Saratoga Hot Springs Resort owner Dr. Michael Janssen if he would like to pay to move the existing bridge and use it for golf carts. Mayor Davis approved of the idea as long as the town isn’t financially involved. Public Works Director Emery Penner said moving the bridge may impact the flow of the North Platte River, necessitating additional governmental studies.
Mayor Davis asked for council approval to sign the WYDOT agreement. The mayor said the project is likely at least two years away from construction.
Councilwoman Kathy Beck asked if the contract was for the entire bridge replacement project or just the initial investigation of the existing bridge. Public Works Director Penner said WYDOT will decide if the existing bridge can be saved, but the contract gives the state agency permission to replace the bridge if necessary.
Councilwoman Beck said the contract legally requires the town to accept the state agency’s design plans for WYDOT to entirely fund the bridge. Penner said the town is required to repay WYDOT for the cost of the project if the town relinquishes ownership of the bridge for any reason.
At the September 19th meeting, the Saratoga town council voted to have Mayor Davis sign the contract with WYDOT to replace the Texas Trail bridge.
