Treasure County presses for bridge repairs as residents warn of safety risks and staff seeks FEMA, DOT help
November 01, 2024 | Treasure County, Montana
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Treasure County commissioners said aging bridges on River Road, Gibson and Tullock remain a top priority and that bridge replacement will depend on grant funding and coordination with ditch companies.
During public comment a resident recounted an accident at a bridge that led to an emergency room visit and said they intend to submit a claim for medical bills; commissioners acknowledged the bridge is a safety issue and reiterated they are seeking DOT assistance and grant funding for replacements.
Why it matters: Several county bridges are decades old and rated below current load standards, limiting heavy equipment and emergency access. Commissioners said the Gibson bridge replacement is budgeted at roughly $400,000 and that the county cannot fund full replacements without outside grants.
What was said: staff described the River Road/Shansbridge and Gibson Bridge projects and noted coordination is required with ditch companies when road work alters irrigation structures. The commissioners reported that DOT has indicated replacement design work will not begin until early next year; when funding and specifications are finalized the county can solicit contractor bids.
Community reaction: Multiple residents urged faster action, saying some crossings are now safety hazards for vehicles, livestock and farm equipment. One resident said the compromised bridge edge caused a fall that later required surgery. Commissioners said they have added the bridges to a capital improvement plan and will pursue grant opportunities and DOT cost-share; they also asked staff to put ditch company representatives on the next agenda to avoid doing work the ditch companies will later contest.
Next steps: staff will pursue FEMA and DOT funding where applicable, prepare bid-ready specifications once DOT provides final specs, and bring ditch-company coordination to a future meeting. The board took no final engineering approvals at this session.
During public comment a resident recounted an accident at a bridge that led to an emergency room visit and said they intend to submit a claim for medical bills; commissioners acknowledged the bridge is a safety issue and reiterated they are seeking DOT assistance and grant funding for replacements.
Why it matters: Several county bridges are decades old and rated below current load standards, limiting heavy equipment and emergency access. Commissioners said the Gibson bridge replacement is budgeted at roughly $400,000 and that the county cannot fund full replacements without outside grants.
What was said: staff described the River Road/Shansbridge and Gibson Bridge projects and noted coordination is required with ditch companies when road work alters irrigation structures. The commissioners reported that DOT has indicated replacement design work will not begin until early next year; when funding and specifications are finalized the county can solicit contractor bids.
Community reaction: Multiple residents urged faster action, saying some crossings are now safety hazards for vehicles, livestock and farm equipment. One resident said the compromised bridge edge caused a fall that later required surgery. Commissioners said they have added the bridges to a capital improvement plan and will pursue grant opportunities and DOT cost-share; they also asked staff to put ditch company representatives on the next agenda to avoid doing work the ditch companies will later contest.
Next steps: staff will pursue FEMA and DOT funding where applicable, prepare bid-ready specifications once DOT provides final specs, and bring ditch-company coordination to a future meeting. The board took no final engineering approvals at this session.
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