Montrose City Councilors approved funds Tuesday to replace the nearly 60-year-old pedestrian bridge used to cross the Uncompahgre River near Ogden Road. Work to replace the bridge will begin this month.
For decades two rail cars spanning the Uncompahgre River at this location have served as a pedestrian crossing for trail users in Montrose. In 2018 the city investigated the integrity of the bridge and its abutments and determined that the bridge would need replacement in 2019.
The abutments are decaying and the rail cars employed in spanning the river are questionable, according to city engineers who consulted with local engineering firm DOWL.
Earlier this year funds were budgeted for replacement of the bridge. The project was put out for bid and Con-Sy Inc. of Grand Junction was awarded the project in the amount of $397,570. This award was formally approved Tuesday by a unanimous vote of City Councilors.
Demolition of the existing bridge will begin as early as Monday, August 26. Removal of the bridge will require the closure of the bridge crossing and users of the trail networks in that part of town should be aware of the closure. Also, construction activities may at times impact the recreation trail on the west side of the Uncompahgre River.
The replacement bridge will span 100 feet across the river. There will be new abutments set back further from the river’s edge than the existing abutments. The new bridge will be a steel truss design with concrete decking. The project should be completed by the end of December 2019.
For more information about the project, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact Parks Division Superintendent John Malloy at 970.240.1411 or via email at jmalloy@ci.montrose.co.us
For more city news visit CityOfMontrose.org.