Funds received to replace Big Cottonwood bridge

(Murray Journal) The Big Cottonwood bridge at 4220 South Main Street has been in desperate need of repair for several years, but the city has never found the funds for the costly project. Five years ago the city applied for a grant through the State Transportation Improvement Program, but the project got cut. Fortunately, the city is now receiving $1,248,000 in federal funds to help pay to replace that bridge

Every 10 years the Utah Department of Transportation ranks all the bridges in the state from one to 100, and anything below 50 is in bad shape.

“This is one of the worst bridges in the state,” said Doug Hill, public service director. “It was ranked 46. Structurally it’s okay to drive on, but the railings need a lot of work.”

The city council approved the city’s involvement in an interlocal cooperative agreement with the Utah Department of Transportation and Salt Lake County, since the bridge borders the county. The total cost of the project is $1,560,000, with Murray and Salt Lake County both matching $156,000. Additional costs will be covered by UDOT.

The project should be started this winter and it’s hoped to be completed by spring, Hill said.

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