Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Due to continued deterioration on the Culbertson Bridge built in the 1930s, the Wyoming Department of Transportation has issued weight restrictions for the bridge. Signs will be posted later this month.
WORLAND - The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has issued a weight restriction on the Culbertson Bridge following a recent inspection.
WYDOT District 5 Public Affairs Spokesperson Cody Beers said WYDOT typically inspects bridges every two years but some bridges are inspected annually and the Culbertson Bridge is one of those. The bridge is 88 years old, built in 1934.
According to the inspection report, "section loss measurements of the stringers, floor beams and truss members were taken and documented on the [inspection report May 8].
"The inspections have shown conditions continue to deteriorate," Beers said.
According to the inspection portions of the top flanges in the west span have section loss of up to 38%, top flange at the north end of Floor Beam 9 has section loss of up to 100% for a length of approximately two feet; top flange of Floor Beam 6 has section loss of 25%, inner flange of many of the lower truss panels have section loss of up to 25%.
"This is the first time the inspections shows a need to sign it for load restrictions," Beers said.
The load restrictions, which will be signed soon allow for two to three axles no limits, 26 tons for four- to five-axle trucks and 29 tons for six and more axles.
City of Worland Public Works Superintendent Nick Kruger said, "It's a very limited restriction. I would be surprised if it impacts more than 5% of the traffic that use the bridge."
Beers said it should not impact harvest for Wyoming Sugar. He said individual growers use two to three axle trucks.
Wyoming Sugar CEO Mike Greear said that when he received the letter he reviewed it with WYDOT District Engineer Peter Hallsten.
"There may be a couple of trucks affected but there is no weight limit for short trucks or semis," Greear said.
He added that he has notified the board of the restrictions and they will get notice to growers that may have concerns with the weight restrictions. He said there may be a few with four axles but added "I don't think we have any with five."
The trucks in question can cross [the bridge] on the return trip back to the field because they will be empty and thus less weight.
"There will be a minimal impact [on harvest]," Greear said.
Signs are to be in place within 30 days of the letter from assistant state bridge engineer Paul Cortez to District Engineer Hallsten, which was dated Aug. 30.
Beers said the signs have been ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive.
"This bridge is continuing to deteriorate, and we knew that," Beers said, adding that vehicles with camper trailers and other trailers should have no concern traveling over the bridge.
He added, however, that since the bridge is narrow, he would recommend people with trailers use the Big Horn Avenue bridge on U.S. Highway 20.
"If there is good news we are already designing the new bridge and talking about the new bridge," Beers said. The new bridge across the Big Horn River will at the end of a planned extension of Washakie Avenue through Wyoming Sugar property to the river further west than the current bridge.
The new bridge is the State Transportation Improvement Plan for 2025.
Kruger said, "A community of our size needs multiple access points across the river." He added that the Big Horn Avenue should have decades of life left but if for some reason access is blocked without the Culbertson Bridge the only other access across the river is near Manderson or near the US 20/South Flat Road junction.
