Routt County approves temporary construction easements for CR 62 bridge scour protection

Routt County commissioners voted Oct. 21 to authorize the chair to sign three temporary construction easements with private property owners for in‑channel improvements intended to protect the County Road 62 bridge west of the Clark store from scour.

County engineering staff told the board inspections in 2022 and 2024 identified the CR 62 bridge as “scour critical.” Staff hired Right Water Engineers in 2023 to develop an in‑channel improvement plan and obtained a wetland permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Work that had been scheduled for the current year was pushed to 2026 after the county missed the August–October construction window that Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommends so as not to disturb brown trout and whitefish spawning.

The recommended agreements are temporary construction easements with Carol Fisher and entities associated with the Stranahan family (referred to in the packet as Plug Properties LLC and Seckel Pair Holdings). County staff said most of the work will occur on the Stranahans’ property north of the bridge, and that staff met multiple times with property owners and the county’s consultant. Staff characterized the property owners as cooperative while noting owners may legally refuse access.

Staff said the county will rebid the project in early spring 2026 to secure a contractor schedule that can meet the appropriate in‑water work window. Commissioners approved the chair’s signature on the three temporary construction easements by voice vote; the transcript records the motion, an edited friendly correction to a property name (Seckel Pair Holdings), and a unanimous “Aye.”

No construction contract was awarded at the Oct. 21 meeting; the recorded action was approval to sign the temporary easements and proceed with coordination and permitting steps.