JACKSON HOLE, WYO –
UPDATE (11am): WYDOT is saying Cattleman’s Bridge will NOT reopen today due to unforeseen circumstances causing a delay in work. No word yet on when it will be open.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and Teton County announced today that Cattleman’s Bridge will open to single lane traffic on Wednesday, June 20.
The old bridge was closed for construction and replacement, while a temporary bridge was placed to carry traffic. However, the temporary bridge was closed in late May due to unsafe conditions and potential catastrophic failure of the temporary structure due to the scouring and sinking of one of the structure’s piers.
WYDOT, Teton County, and contract crews from Reiman Corp. chose to accelerate the work on the new structure by bringing in more manpower and resources with the goal of opening the new structure within the next 3 to 4 weeks.
On the new structure, much of the concrete work has been completed, such as the deck and both approach slabs. Crews are currently waiting for the concrete to cure and gain strength. In addition, the bridge rail has been constructed on the west side and is currently being prepared for the east side.
Crews are preparing a roadway with crushed base and hope to have the roadway completed by Wednesday. A temporary signal will be operating to allow traffic to go down the center of the bridge while work continues on the bridge.
“Recent weather has held up production somewhat, as well as availability of concrete,” WYDOT resident engineer Bob Hammond said. “But the bridge will be open to single lane traffic by the end of the day on Wednesday. We don’t have a set time.”
The contract was awarded to Reiman Corp. in October for $3.8 million. The Teton County bridge is located on Spring Gulch Road north of Jackson. The project is part WYDOT’s Bridge Replacement Off System program where WYDOT partners with local counties to replace deficient bridges off the state highway system.
