STURGIS, S.D. – Brosz Engineering has completed the Meade County rural bridge inspections for the 2022 cycle and provided a summary to the County Commission Tuesday.
The firm provided commissioners a report of recommended repairs and/or upgrades for 18 individual structures.
Some bridges have recommended simple repairs, while others show cracks and exposed rebar, and may need to be rehabilitated or replaced. Furthermore, the engineering firm says some structures may be considered under-designed for today’s vehicle loads.
One of the larger bridges recommended for replacement is near the Belle Fourche River south of Highway 34, and 21 miles east of Sturgis. The six span timber beam bridge has numerous deteriorated beams and deck planks. Engineers say the structure is likely to be placed on a 12-month inspection cycle soon due to advancing decay of timber elements.
Another bridge on Brehm Road has already been closed because of serious decay of numerous beams and partial failure of the north abutment cap. A bypass road has been built around it.
To see the report, click here: Meade County 2022 Bridge Report
In other highway matters, the South Dakota Department of Transportation updated the commission on a proposed project to reconstruct the Exit 34 Interchange on I-90. As part of the proposed project, Pleasant Valley Drive will be terminated at the railroad and the existing service road part of Pleasant Valley drive will be realigned to connect with Bulldog Canyon Rd.
Existing Pleasant Valley Drive traffic would utilize Bulldog Canyon Road to access the interstate.
The D-O-T says Meade County will be responsible for maintaining Connex Road and Bulldog Canyon from Connex Road to Pleasant Valley Drive.
The proposed change adds 1,105 feet to the Meade County roadway network.
