South Creek Valley Bridge remains open

LAKE COUNTY — South Valley Creek residents have already noticed, but others may not realize and the South Creek Valley Bridge is still open after its supposed Aug. 30 closure date.

Last Thursday morning, county commissioners received a letter from the Montana Department of Transportation advising repair to the bridge, Paddy Trusler, chairman of the Lake County Commissioners, said.

“The DOT advised that it would be cost effective to repair the bridge and attain the longevity of the bridge while we determine how we’re going to pay for a new bridge,” Trusler said.

The residents around the bridge are “quite relieved and excited the commissioners heard” their concerns, Tracey Morin, spokeswomen for the area residents, said.

The bridge was condemned earlier this summer, and set to close at the end of August.

“We’re happy that the commissioners listened to the correct information and made the right decision,” Morin said.

Repairs on the bridge should occur in the next 30 days.

“We’re going to squeeze the bridge repair in between two larger projects,” Trusler said.

The repairs will definitely happen before the middle of October, Commissioner Bill Barron said.

Morin said the residents are realistic and realize the bridge must temporarily close for repairs.

“Our problem came when there was discussion about closing the bridge with no new bridge in place,” said Morin. “Thirty days to close is fine, two years is not.”

Until the repairs are made, the bridge is only rated to hold three tons.

“We aren’t worried about passenger cars and trucks going over the bridge,” said Barron. “But if a truck pulling a loaded cattle trailer tries to cross, we’re going to be having some heartburn.”

Trusler said one of the reasons for closing the bridge in the first place is related to misuse of weight restrictions.

Morin disagrees that misuse is any reason for the now-cancelled closure.

“Someone misinterpreted the State’s report on the bridge and the hysteria led to the closure. It had nothing to do with misuse,” Morin said.

The commissioners will be seeking state grants to fund repairs on the bridge.

A new bridge will be built as soon as funding is available, Barron said.

The estimates for the repairs to the bridge are about $20,000. Estimates for a new bridge range from $500,000 to $1.2 million, Trusler said.

The less expensive bridge would essentially be the same size as the existing structure, Trusler said. The more expensive bridge would increase the length and add lanes to the bridge. Any bridge would be rated to 40 tons.

“We don’t need a $1 million bridge,” said Morin.

The residents just need a bridge that can safely carry things emergency services and school buses, Morin said.

Trusler said the commissioners will be trying to find the money to fund a new bridge as soon as possible.