Commissioners approve Old Town Road temporary bridge floodplain permit; contractor says work is ahead of schedule

Summary

The commission approved a floodplain permit and findings for a temporary work bridge on Old Town Road. Public Works Director TJ Gravely reported the Broadwater County side is ahead of schedule; commissioners said completing the bridge will significantly shorten emergency response times for residents currently requiring long detours.

Broadwater County commissioners approved a floodplain permit and findings for a temporary work bridge on Old Town Road.

TJ Gravely, Broadwater County Public Works Director, presented the permit and gave a construction update: the bridge deck is in place, welding and concrete work remain, rip-rap and piles have been driven and backwalls and guardrail are upcoming tasks. Gravely said work is currently ahead of schedule and that, if the contractor maintains progress, the bridge could be completed by the end of January.

Commissioners and residents said completing the bridge will reduce travel times for residents in the lower Old Town area and shorten response times for fire and ambulance calls. The commission approved the permit and findings by voice vote.

Gravely said the county will provide monthly updates as work progresses and that Gallatin County completed work on its side. No additional county appropriation was approved at the meeting.