Heated public debate over Keller Road paving leads commissioners to approve millings ahead of Duck Creek bridge repairs

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners on July 23 voted to place millings on Keller Road after an extended public-comment period and debate over whether paving or temporary surface work is justified while the Duck Creek bridge is repaired.

The issue was framed as a reconsideration of Duck Creek scour and alternative routes after county public-works staff said the Duck Creek bridge will need major repairs that could reduce crossings. Tim (public works) told the board the millings and paving discussion is tied to maintaining connectivity between three bridges (including the Duck Creek bridge over the Yellowstone River) and that available materials and plans support moving forward.

Opponents argued the work is unnecessary or premature. Kurt Staley and other residents questioned the project's basis as a public-safety measure, said traffic studies were not done for Keller Road, and alleged that petitions circulating in favor were not representative of daily users. Derek Burby said he collected more than 100 signatures that he said were dismissed previously and called a 38-signature petition 'special-interest' support; he also said he would file a complaint alleging misappropriation of funds.

Supporters stressed access concerns tied to bridge closure. Dawn Calderwood, who runs a wedding-venue business on Duck Creek, said bridge work will leave her business with much longer detours and that local doctors rely on the route for rapid access. Bob Adler and others said the road's millings or paving would provide needed connectivity while the bridge is out.

Emergency-services testimony was mixed. Rick, identified in the hearing as Blue Creek Fire chief, told commissioners that paving the road would not materially improve emergency access and cautioned that paved rural roads can increase crash severity because drivers speed more on paved surfaces. Other residents and a commissioner said recent scour/engineering work and preparatory hauling of gravel were done in advance because the bridge repairs had been planned over a longer period.

After public comment and commissioner discussion about engineering, 90-degree turns and planning for long-term safety improvements, the board approved placing millings on Keller Road. The transcript shows the motion was seconded and commissioners responded 'aye' to pass the action; a roll-call tally by name was not recorded in the provided transcript.

The board then moved on to other business, including passing a ban on open burning (Resolution 24-121) during the same meeting.