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Bridge inspection recommends keeping Murray Bridge closed after crash damage
Summary
An inspection following a May crash found damage to multiple vertical members of Murray Bridge; the inspector recommended the bridge remain closed to vehicle traffic because repairs would be extensive and potentially fiscally impractical, while staff and supervisors discussed detours, safety, and related grant timelines.
County staff summarized a June 10 inspection of Murray Bridge following a May 5 accident and said the inspection recommended keeping the structure closed to all traffic because of extensive damage.
The inspection report, recounted to the board, described damage to multiple vertical members of the bridge. According to the inspection summary presented to supervisors, eight out of 12 vertical members were hit or showed movement, with two exhibiting significant twisting and bowing. "The recommendation is that the bridge remains closed to all traffic," the inspection report concluded.
Staff warned that significant repairs would likely require lifting the bridge, performing major structural work and then re-siting it on the piers — a scope that the presenters characterized as likely to be cost-prohibitive. Supervisors discussed safety measures already in place, including rock and barricades delivered to limit access, and noted pedestrians have occasionally used the structure after the closure despite warnings.
The sheriff's office was mentioned as investigating reported names in the area; staff said any leads are passed to the sheriff. Supervisors and staff also discussed alternate routes for emergency services given the bridge's three-ton post-damage load limit.
Staff reported they had applied for grant funding related to bridge replacement and that results were due soon; if the county is not approved this round they could add the bridge in a later application. Board members agreed the structure should remain closed for vehicles until an engineering and funding path forward is identified.
The board did not authorize immediate major repairs at the meeting; staff said they will continue to coordinate with inspectors, the sheriff's office and potential grantors and will return when more information on funding or engineering solutions is available.
