Flathead County adopts emergency repair resolution for 2 Mile Drive bridge

Flathead County commissioners on Nov. 20 adopted Resolution 26 51 to authorize immediate steps for emergency repairs to the 2 Mile Drive bridge after the structure was struck by a vehicle.

Pete Mullen, county administrator, told commissioners the resolution permits the county to access about $240,000 in county capital to procure engineering services and use streamlined acquisition procedures for the emergency work. "We have about $240,000 in there so that capital can be used to, procure engineering services," Mullen said.

Dave, a county staff member introduced at the meeting, described jurisdictional responsibilities and next steps. He said the bridge itself is a county asset and that the county is responsible for its maintenance and repair even though parts of 2 Mile Drive lie within the city limits and the road is a Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) urban route. "The bridge itself ... is a county bridge, a county asset. The county is responsible for the maintenance repair of that bridge," Dave said.

Because 2 Mile Drive is in the state urban system, Dave said MDT will review any plans for work on the roadway and will have approval or denial authority, but he did not expect significant direct financial support from the state. He also reported that the county has engaged insurance contacts and that Liberty Mutual engineers are expected on-site for an inspection; a local adjuster has also been assigned.

Commissioners pressed staff about reimbursement and liability. The chair said on the record that the county expects to seek reimbursement from the responsible party or its insurer: "I want to make sure that whatever we need up front ... that we expect reimbursement is ... and that that's why I'm saying it on the record here today." Dave said the county will seek reimbursement but could not guarantee the outcome and advised documenting claims through the county's insurer and broker.

Dave relayed a preliminary, informal estimate provided by Jeff with LHC that repair costs could be in the range of $1.5 million to $2 million, but he emphasized that figure was speculative until engineers complete a detailed assessment. "Jeff said $1,500,000 to $2,000,000," Dave said, adding the final cost will depend on the scope of repairs.

A commissioner praised the company that struck the bridge for mobilizing traffic control quickly and for having insurance and resources to address the problem. The commission moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner (speaker 5) moved the resolution and Commissioner (speaker 4) seconded. The chair called for the vote; a voice "Aye" was recorded, the chair said the motion carries, and the meeting was adjourned.

Next steps the county described include an on-site meeting with Liberty Mutual engineers (timing to be set), engagement of local engineering firms to assemble a team for assessment and oversight, and coordination with MDT on plan reviews and approvals. The county administrator recommended contacting Marsh McLellan, the county's insurance broker, to start formal notice and claims documentation.