The underside of one of the bridges to be replaced shows evidence of deterioration. (Photo: UDOT)
Money from the recently passed federal infrastructure bill will help to replace two deteriorating bridges in Salt Lake County. The Utah Transportation Commission approved funding for the projects at its meeting Friday morning.
One bridge carries Dutch Draw Drive across the Jordan Canal in Taylorsville. Replacing it will cost $1.9 million. Evan Hartle with the Utah Department of Transportation said money for this project hasn’t been readily available.
“This is one of the structures that historically has been hard to provide funding from the state to help,” Hartle told the commission. “This program helps us address this gap.”
“The bridge was constructed in 1970 and has been rated in poor condition since 2007,” he said.
The other bridge is in Holladay at 5600 South and the Jordan and Salt Lake Canal. With the federal funding, Holladay City has agreed to move its matching funds for the project up by a year so the replacement can be completed that much sooner.
Materials presented to the commission show flaking concrete and exposed reinforcing steel on both bridges.
The commission also approved funding for sidewalk reconstruction along 4500 South in Millcreek. That delighted Commissioner Natalie Gochnour, who said she rides her bicycle in that neighborhood.
“I love projects like this that just make our community safer,” she said.