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Staff recommends bridge — not box culvert — for Natural Bridge Road project; borings underway
Summary
Public works staff told the council they chose a bridge design for Natural Bridge Road, which staff said is about $120,000 cheaper than a triple box culvert and easier to widen in the future. Staff estimated construction could occur in 2028 after design, grants and land acquisition.
Public works staff told Bridgeton’s City Council on Jan. 21 that they recommend building a bridge rather than replacing a triple box culvert on Natural Bridge Road.
"We ended up going with a bridge," public works staff member Mister Peterson said, adding that the bridge option would be "about a $120,000 cheaper" to build than a box culvert and would be easier to widen for future expansion. Peterson said designers plan the bridge with pedestrian barriers and an alignment that could accommodate eventual widening to four lanes, but that widening would increase costs and require additional alignment work.
Staff reported borings are underway to determine pier depths and that the project remains in the engineering phase. Peterson said the city must pursue grant funding and land acquisition before construction can begin; he estimated construction is most likely in 2028, noting that is speculative and depends on grant outcomes.
Council members asked about expected construction duration and traffic impacts. Peterson said crews may need to close the existing bridge and route traffic around the work; he also noted future widening could be staged to allow traffic during portions of construction. The council did not take formal action but received the update for future budget and grant planning.
Next steps for staff include finalizing design details, completing geotechnical borings, pursuing grant funding and returning to council with schedule and funding options.
