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Granite County moves to pursue state bridge funds for failing South Main Street span
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Summary
Engineers briefed commissioners on a $6.3 million estimate to replace the South Main Street bridge; the county will submit an MSIP grant application, seek letters of support and may partner with MDT if additional funds are needed.
Granite County commissioners heard an engineering briefing and approved steps to pursue state funds to replace the deteriorated South Main Street bridge, estimated by consultants at roughly $6.3 million for the structure alone.
A consultant described the bridge as a multi-span concrete structure with substantial deck deterioration and exposed reinforcement; the consultant said earlier overlays had temporarily sealed the deck but that the supporting beams remain in poor condition. "So, I mean, we're looking at $6,300,000 for just for the bridge," the consultant said, noting the project would likely be pursued through the Montana Coal Endowment Program (MSIP) and could be combined with a previously submitted CDS request to cover additional structures and repaving.
Engineers outlined design options (two- or three-span replacements, concrete or steel beams, and strategies to minimize floodplain and environmental impacts). They warned the project must comply with floodplain rules and coordinate mitigation for local fish species; environmental work and public involvement will be required as part of the application. The county discussed matching scenarios and the timeline: MSIP applications are due May 19 and move through a ranked statutory process that feeds into legislative appropriations.
Monica Prince, speaking for the Drummond ambulance service, urged the county to prioritize the bridge for public-safety reasons. "There is a huge safety issue not having that bridge in," she said, noting detours can stretch emergency response routes by many miles and that railroad or highway bridge failures could isolate the town.
County staff asked for letters of support from local entities (fire, sheriff, school, ambulance) to strengthen the application. Commissioners agreed to collect additional letters and to place signature forms and a resolution committing any required match on a near-term agenda if necessary.
Next steps: staff and consultants will solicit support letters, finalize application materials, and return to the commission with signature pages and any required resolutions prior to submission.
