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Emery County OKs research for Castle Dale bridge rehabilitation and temporarily closes bridge for safety
Summary
The commission authorized staff to research historic‑preservation grant requirements and potential match funding for the Castle Dale bridge rehabilitation and voted to close public access to the bridge until repairs or rehabilitation deem it safe, citing deck holes and liability concerns.
The Emery County Commission on Aug. 19 authorized staff to begin researching funding and compliance requirements for rehabilitating the historic Castle Dale bridge and voted to close the bridge to the public until it is made safe.
“Suzanne” of the Historic Preservation Commission told the board the bridge has been placed on the National Register and that the county will need to determine the project cost, whether the match will be cash or labor, and what preservation standards apply. “The historic preservation grants opened in January,” she said, and staff must identify requirements and get price quotes to prepare a matching‑grant application.
County staff and commissioners discussed prior restoration efforts and local research: an attendee noted that Lauren Huntsman and others gathered information and that the county had attempted restoration about four to five years earlier but could not secure funding. Legal and insurance implications were raised: one official said the county has an easement to maintain the bridge but that National‑Register listing brings additional requirements and potential insurance cost increases.
The commission acknowledged that some deck boards are rotted and debated whether temporary rough‑cut lumber repairs would allow continued public access. County counsel cautioned that historic‑preservation standards may limit what alterations are permitted. After discussion, a motion to begin the research process for a historic‑preservation rehabilitation grant and to pursue answers about match requirements and standards passed. The commission separately approved a motion to close public access to the Castle Bridge until it is deemed safe.
Next steps: staff was authorized to collect cost estimates, clarify preservation standards and insurance implications, and return with recommendations and a grant application strategy. The commission did not set a timeline for reopening; the closure will remain until repairs or rehabilitation meet safety and compliance requirements.
