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Fremont County tables Diversion Dam bridge decision after inspection finds 'fracture critical' failures
Summary
County, tribal and irrigation representatives reviewed a structural assessment that found a pony-truss bridge 'fracture critical' and a deteriorated pier; the board delayed a decision until June 23 and discussed eligibility for federal bridge design funds that expire Sept. 30.
Fremont County commissioners on June 2 postponed a decision about the Diversion Dam bridge after an inspection found critical structural failures that officials said compromise the truss support.
Engineers and local stakeholders outlined three options for the pony-truss bridge: full replacement, partial rehabilitation, or removal of the bridge structures to protect the dam. "The pony truss bridge is fracture critical," engineer Kyle Lehto said, and a recent inspection showed a concrete pier that had "sloughed off" in an hourglass shape, undermining the truss support.
Winslow Friday, director of the Wind River Tribal Department of Transportation, and tribal representatives urged collaborative planning and noted the diversion dam’s complex ownership and funding picture. Tribal representative Kim Harjo said some reservation leaders are frustrated that "the tribe’s plans and priorities are consistently ignored," and reminded the board the diversion dam was originally constructed using Indian monies.
Fremont County Transportation Superintendent Billy Meeks and Midvale Irrigation District representative Steve Lynn emphasized dam safety. Lynn questioned the justification for the high replacement cost estimates—cited during the meeting as $30 million to $35 million—because traffic volumes are low (about 100 vehicles per day) and local users have adapted to alternate routes. County and tribal participants discussed whether removal could be the most sensible option if repair or replacement is impractical.
Lehto and others noted a potential funding window: federal bridge funds for design work could apply but the program expires Sept. 30, creating a tight schedule for applications and design work. The board agreed to continue the discussion at its June 23 meeting to allow further coordination with tribal leaders, federal agencies and engineering advisors.
The diversion-dam discussion included representatives from the Northern Arapaho Business Council, Midvale Irrigation District and the Bureau of Reclamation was noted as a landowner with potential influence on funding eligibility. No formal motion to replace or remove the bridge was made; discussion was tabled for the June 23 meeting.
