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Commissioners review Spear Bridge and other bridge funding options; state detour listed at 42 miles
Summary
Staff updated the board on bridge projects including the Spear Bridge, reporting the state bridge report lists a 42-mile detour if the span is closed. Staff recommended aluminum culverts as a lower-cost alternative for short spans; commissioners discussed SB536 emergency replacement funds and application timing.
County staff updated commissioners on a portfolio of local bridge projects and grant options. The Spear Bridge was a central topic: the state bridge report lists its detour length as 42 miles, information staff said they would confirm with the state. Commissioners asked for clarification about the detour calculation; staff explained the 42-mile detour is the state's maintained-route estimate â for example, county traffic would need to route via Peerless and other county roads if the bridge were out.
Staff said they submitted a bid/repair package for SB536 emergency replacements and had spoken with the state about the county's relative ranking; while staff were hopeful the project would be funded, they emphasized the state must follow its own obligation of funds and timelines. For some short-span crossings staff recommended cost-saving alternatives: single or multiple aluminum box culverts instead of a full concrete bridge, noting that anything over 20 feet remains in the bridge inventory and thus eligible for bridge funds.
Commissioners and staff discussed bids, construction progress on the Broker Bridge south side work, and the county's plan to prioritize construction engineers and local contractor involvement. No formal votes occurred on project authorizations during the meeting; staff said they would continue to follow up with the Montana Department of Transportation and return funding updates as state decisions are announced.
