Engineering warns of urgent slope and bridge repairs; county may seek multimodal funding or eminent domain
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Summary
Engineering reported the Stuyvesant Falls bridge remains closed pending a load-rating study and recommended slope stabilization (estimated at about $1.5 million) for an active 400-foot slope; staff said they may seek quicker multimodal funding and discussed using eminent domain to acquire needed right-of-way for a separate bridge alignment.
County engineering staff briefed the committee on a range of infrastructure needs, including closed and at-risk bridges and a moving slope adjacent to a stream that requires stabilization.
Stuyvesant Falls bridge remains closed while a consultant finishes a load-rating study and cost estimates for repairs. Engineering expects the consultant’s report before the end of the week and will share cost estimates with the committee.
At another location (Cannery/Cannery slopes), staff reported the affected area is roughly 400 feet in length and recommended soil-nail stabilization; an initial construction estimate provided in the discussion was about $1,500,000. Engineering warned that spring snowmelt could worsen conditions and said they may call a special meeting to begin design and pursue faster multimodal funding rather than a multiyear State Transportation Improvement Program slot.
On Buckwheat Ridge, engineering described acquiring roughly 25 feet of right-of-way from adjacent parcels to bring the alignment to standard and acknowledged at least one property owner has opposed the project; staff said eminent domain may be required if negotiations fail, noting state and federal funding require ownership for certain improvements.
The committee discussed funding options and directed staff to coordinate public meetings and follow up with property owners.
