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Public Works Committee holds review of flooded Harrison Avenue trail culvert pending MDT response
Summary
Butte-Silver Bow’s Public Works Committee voted to hold a request for review of the flooded walking-trail culvert under Harrison Avenue until the Montana Department of Transportation clarifies responsibility; staff cleaned debris but the culvert remains full of water, and commissioners said pumps may not keep up with inflow.
The Butte-Silver Bow Public Works Committee on May 14 voted to hold a request for review of the walking-trail culvert under Harrison Avenue in abeyance until the Montana Department of Transportation responds about ownership and maintenance responsibility.
The committee’s chair, Commissioner Mankins, said the culvert is “full of water” after recent rain, and Public Works crews have pumped and removed garbage but could not complete an inspection while water levels remain high.
The request, filed as communication number 2024-544, asks for a status update and a committee review of the tunnel under Harrison Avenue south of Dickies Barbecue. Director Neary told the committee his crews had pumped and cleaned the tunnel last week but that renewed rain had refilled it, and that he was awaiting written confirmation from MDT about whether the department or Butte-Silver Bow is responsible for long-term maintenance.
Commissioner Healy reported that a local engineer she contacted, Brandon Jones, told her that in February 2006 MDT turned the culvert over to Butte-Silver Bow. Healy also relayed concerns from retired engineer Sid DeBarthe and local trail users that the culvert’s corrugated metal has rusted in places, allowing water and fish to enter from Bell Creek and increasing inflow to the trail-level culvert. Healy said she had asked Director Neary who was responsible for cleanup and safety after reports of dead fish and hazardous water.
Committee members and staff discussed solutions including a field inspection by a county engineer once water levels fall. Commissioner Shea, who requested the communication, said there is “a process in place to determine whose responsibility it is” and said a paper trail should clarify ownership and maintenance obligations.
After discussion, Commissioner Mankins moved to hold communication 2024-544 in abeyance until the next Public Works Committee meeting; Commissioner Healy seconded the motion. The committee voted in favor and the item will return to the committee in two weeks for further information on whether MDT or Butte-Silver Bow will take responsibility for repairs or maintenance.
The committee record notes one transient person has been observed in the tunnel; staff removed trash during pumping. No repair plan, cost estimate, schedule, or written agreement was presented at the May 14 meeting, and committee members said those documents are needed before proceeding with any repair work.
