Temporary North Piney Bridge install
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
June 19, 2014
A contract has been awarded for the transportation and installation of a temporary bridge on North Piney Creek, on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The temporary bridge will provide access to full size vehicles and trailer traffic across North Piney Creek, and fully open Forest System Road #10046 that runs from Middle Piney to South Cottonwood.
In September 2012 the North Piney Bridge was inspected by Intermountain Regional bridge engineers to assess the conditions of the structure. The bridge was deemed unsafe and closed to all full size vehicle and trailer traffic. Since 2012, the bridge has been closed to all full size vehicle travel, but still open to some off highway vehicles.
The temporary bridge will provide full access to the area while the Forest seeks funding for a permanent bridge replacement by 2017.
"The bridge provides an important access route," said Rob Hoelscher, Big Piney District Ranger. "Without it, travel from Cottonwood south to Middle and South Piney areas of the district, is made difficult and we are doing our best to make the route passable and safe."
The contractor is expected to arrive next week to assess the location and ensure that they have safe access to the bridge for their equipment. Depending on conditions and the contractors schedule the district anticipates having the bridge in place early this summer.
For more information please call the Big Piney Ranger District at 307-276-3375.
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