Bridge in Murray could be replaced in 2010

 (Salt Lake Tribune) The Main Street Bridge over Big Cottonwood Creek in Murray was built 60 years ago.

Murray city officials said while it's not in "extremely poor condition," they have wanted it replaced for a few years.

So, if paperwork with the Utah Department of Transportation continues rolling, the bridge is slated to be replaced and the $1.5 million construction project completed next summer, said Murray's Public Service Director Doug Hill.

The two-lane bridge is roughly 50-feet long and is located at about 4200 South and Main Street.

Hill said the current bridge is safe and residents have nothing to worry about, but the railing is deteriorating and some parts of it are corroding. He added he is unaware of any accidents or public pressure to replace the bridge.

About four years ago, Hill said the bridge's safety score by UDOT was finally low enough that it was eligible for replacement with federal funding.

The project, however, was delayed because there was not enough funding and construction costs were high.

"We couldn't come up with the money ourselves," he said.

Now, Murray and Salt Lake County have allocated about $300,000, and the federal government will pay about $1.2 million, Hill said.

"We finally got the money to make it happen," he said.

Original Article