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Commission approves floodplain permit for removal of the old Toston Bridge
Summary
Great West Engineering presented MDT's floodplain application for removing the old Toston Bridge; the commission approved the floodplain permit application after hearing that the finished condition is not expected to raise river levels and contractors will need separate construction-phase permits.
The Broadwater County Commission approved a floodplain permit application to allow removal of the old Toston Bridge, after a presentation from Great West Engineering about how the project will be carried out to protect river function and recreational access.
Kevin England, Great West Engineering's contract plan administrator, told the commission that the proposed work would remove the bridge structure and piers using standard construction equipment and temporary false‑work, and that excavation could extend 2–3 feet below the existing channel bottom or 2 feet below pier bases where required. He said older timber footings upstream would remain in place.
"The proposed project would be for the removal of the bridge," England said, explaining that temporary work bridges and sequencing will be used to maintain a 6‑foot vertical clearance in any open boat lane so recreational river access is preserved during construction. He said MBT's hydrologic analysis indicates the finished condition will not increase flood elevations and may move the channel closer to historic conditions.
The county's community development director, Nicole Brown, confirmed the public comment period met county requirements and that no written or verbal comments were received during the notice period. Commissioners asked process questions about contractor floodplain permits; England said contractors must obtain separate floodplain permits for construction‑phase work such as temporary structures and material storage.
The motion to approve the county floodplain permit application for the Toston Bridge removal was moved and seconded and carried on a recorded voice vote. The county will work with the applicant and Great West Engineering to complete necessary permitting steps.
What happens next: Contractors will need individual floodplain permits for construction activities, and the county will process those as part of the project's implementation.
