Originally built in 1910, the Main Street Bridge in downtown Mancos is beginning to show its age and the town is seeking grant funding to help with the cost of its overhaul.
Town administrator Andrea Phillips explained that the last inspection by civil engineering firm Benesch revealed that there is spalling, cracking, and other issues with the bridge’s deck and the girders. The engineer’s report points out a number of maintenance issue and raises concerns with the load ability of the bridge to support larger trucks.
The estimated cost of replacing the bridge is roughly $1.2 million.
“The bridge was recently rated 34.2, anything below 50 qualifies for replacement,” said Phillips.
Town staff is seeking funding through the Colorado Department of Transportation Off-Highway Systems grant funds, which would cover up to 80 percent of the bridge’s overhaul, if awarded. Applications are reviewed by the Special Highway Committee, which is made up of members from the Colorado Municipal League and Colorado Counties, Inc.
Grant funding is federal money, that passes through CDOT. Phillips explained that there is approximately $5.3 million in anticipated bridge funds available for allocation between 2016 and 2018 throughout Colorado. Projects given priority are those rated the lowest.
Mayor pro tem Todd Kearns said addressing the safety concerns surrounding the bridge was important but was concerned about the project’s potential effect on downtown Mancos commerce.
“I’m just thinking about the bakery being right there,” said Kearns.
The grant application deadline for submittal is Nov. 20, and the Special Highway District will make its decision on grantees in December.
If awarded, the project could begin sometime in 2017.
In other town board news, Cottonwood Park was officially designated as an offleash dog park at the Nov. 10 meeting and signage indicating the status with park rules and regulations is forthcoming.
Based on community feedback, the town held a planning forum on Oct. 19 to hear from residents about how the park should be managed for pets and people. The majority of attendees spoke in favor of officially designating the entire park as off-leash and leaving it, for the most part, as is. Phillips explained that an ordinance in the Mancos Municipal Code allows the town to designate areas as off-leash, but urged trustees to place proper signage explaining the rules of the park and the status to dog owners and visitors alike.
Trustees also approved to fence in the two entrances with a gate, which would be funding under the Great Outdoors Colorado grant the town is seeking.