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Commissioners press for faster fixes on Gibson and River Road bridges; MDT process could take years
Summary
Treasure County commissioners heard engineering concerns and timeline updates on the Gibson and River Road bridges, discussed culvert alternatives, and pressed state partners for accelerated work while weighing safety risks and funding gaps.
Treasure County commissioners on Monday pressed for quicker remedies for failing bridges in the county but were reminded by staff and an engineer that permanent repairs could take years under state procedures.
The board received an update from Adam (S9), who said the Gibson Bridge contractor expects to mobilize in January and that the Tollock Bridge recently received an SPA-124 permit from Fish, Wildlife & Parks and is ready for construction. Adam cautioned that Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) replacement projects typically take three to four years to move through design and construction.
Commissioner B (S4) said the county is exploring alternatives, including whether a culvert might be a feasible and lower-maintenance option at some crossings. "A culvert can avoid ongoing bridge inspections, but if the span exceeds 20 feet it’s treated like a bridge and you still get inspections," Adam replied, noting FHWA/MDT thresholds and the extra grading work culverts can require.
Engineers also flagged structural concerns at one site. Adam said visual inspection suggested the bridge walls lacked reinforcement, which would make signing off on a short-term fix professionally risky: "I do not feel comfortable stamping something without addressing the issue of it being unreinforced," he told the board. Commissioners agreed to press state partners for hydraulic and structural analyses and to invite irrigation-district representatives to January meetings to coordinate work and reduce delays.
The board discussed funding timelines: several commissioners said Department of Commerce and other grant processes require up-front payment from counties for reimbursable awards, creating cash-flow pressure. Members asked staff to pursue available ARPA and other local funding while continuing to request priority treatment from MDT.
The county will ask MDT and the irrigation districts to analyze flow and design alternatives and to return with timing and cost estimates. Commissioners said they will continue pushing for mutual-aid options and to clarify the limits of quick fixes while protecting public safety.
The board set follow-up steps: request MDT hydraulics, invite the irrigation district to the January meetings, and continue to press the Department of Commerce for reimbursement clarity.
