By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

Amid a shortened agenda for the Emery County Commission during their Aug. 19 meeting, the Commissioners looked at the potential of beginning a research process for a potential Castle Dale Bridge rehabilitation project. As a part of this, the body also approved the closure of the bridge until safety repairs could be made. 

Presenting the issue to the commission was Emery County Archives Director Suzanne Anderson, who stated,” Within the county a situation has come up with the historic Castle Dale Bridge and many decisions need to be made and addressed. I would like permission on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission to go ahead, move forward and find answers to these questions so that you can make an informed decision.”

The situation in question is the dilapidated state of the bridge deck. Anderson noted that with the bridge being placed on the National Register of Historic Sites, they would need to research the regulations they need to follow. This research would also allow the county to identify different grants and programs to help fund this project.

“One thought that I had was, and this is kind of a future thing, is we’re looking for in-kind matches or cash matches,” said Commissioner Keven Jensen. “One thought is that people like bridges. I know people have gone out there and taken photos, so if we were to potentially try to combine the historical site with potentially the travel side.”

When asked about the legal implications of such a project, County Attorney Michael Olsen explained,” It’s on the historical registry, which means that this is going to come with a bunch of baggage.”

Olsen continued,” It means there’s going to be a bunch of requirements. And I don’t know if they’ll allow different requirements to have it safe for pictures or travel. Still, usually they’re gauged toward aesthetics so we’ve just got to get those standards and follow them and get a bid according to those.”

Another hurdle the project would have to overcome with the bridge designated in the registry is insurance. If the bridge were damaged on the county’s insurance, it would have to be restored to its original form, a move which would be costly for the county.

Ultimately, the Commissioners elected to move forward and begin the research process for the project.

Immediately following this on the agenda was an item to potentially close public access to the Castle Dale Bridge until rehabilitation efforts are complete due to safety concerns. “The issue is there are some holes in the deck and not a lot of them, but there are a couple, and so since the county has ownership of it, there is some liability,” explained Commissioner Jensen.

The commissioner asked Olsen if they could repair the holes in the deck and reopen the bridge to public access. “I’d have to look at it where it’s on the historical registry, there’s going to be standards, and so if the standards allow it, you know, then we will,” said the attorney. “I haven’t done a project like that for bridges. I know for buildings it’s a big deal if you alter the building or you change it, not according to it, then there’s probably going to be some problems.”

Moving to a vote, the Commissioners elected to close the bridge to public access until a solution could be found.