Weston County commissioners authorize attorney to draft easement for Old Highway 85 bridge; survey and width questions remain

The Weston County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the county attorney to work with a landowner to draft an easement for the Old Highway 85 bridge, but commissioners and staff said they still must verify public records and confirm whether a new survey is needed.

The board instructed the county attorney to coordinate with landowner Mr. Erwin to create “an easement approximately 300 yards long,” and discussed reducing an originally proposed 250-foot right-of-way to a 100-foot right-of-way with an additional 75-foot construction easement, with county-incurred survey and fencing costs identified in draft language. Commissioner Wagner moved the authorization, and Commissioner Todd seconded the motion during the meeting.

Why this matters: the county said it needs a clear easement at the bridge to allow construction and ongoing maintenance. Commissioners and public participants raised concerns about the width needed to preserve and maintain the road and bridge, who would pay for…