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Historic-preservation panel urges repair and public use of Castledale swinging bridge
Summary
Members of the Emery County Historic Preservation Commission recommended repairing and reopening the old Castledale swinging bridge for public use, saying repair is feasible and the county owns the road/right-of-way; commissioners asked staff for cost and scope details.
The Emery County Historic Preservation Commission presented an update on the Casa Del/ Castledale swinging bridge and urged restoring public access while preserving the structure.
Suzanne Anderson, speaking for the commission, said inspectors found some rot but stressed that preservation work should focus on maintenance and repair to keep the bridge in public use. "We recommend that it be continued to be used by the public as a bridge," Anderson said, adding that the commission does not plan a full historical restoration but rather prioritized safe reopening. Val Payne, the commission liaison, reported research showing the road and bridge had been conveyed to the county as part of a state-road conveyance in 1964 and that the bridge sits within county road easement (County Road 420).
Commissioners and preservation commissioners discussed repair approaches (lifting and reusing original stringers where possible, replacing rotten crosspieces), the bridge's designation as an OHV route in the county travel plan, and the value of retaining it for recreational and ceremonial uses such as weddings and photography. County staff said Justin (public works) had materials and a workplan for repairs; the preservation commission and staff will coordinate to finalize costs and a work timeline.
