There was some debate about removal of the speed dips on either side of the Solsqua Bridge over the Eagle River during the regular council meeting on July 9.
Council was presented with the motion to approve the removal of the dips, which have been undergoing assessment since July 2013.
The district hired All-Span Engineering and Construction to assess the bridge’s load capacity to determine if the dips were necessary. The dips were originally implemented to reduce the impact from trucks with heavy loads, and reduce speeds over the bridge in order to maintain the structure of the bridge.
The assessment, which is not yet finished, found that with previous improvements to the bridge’s deck – resulting in an increased an load limit – the structure could last another five years. This position may change, however, when a pile inspection is completed.
In a two-to-four vote, council decided to put off taking action on the speed dips until the assessment is completed.
“I’m really puzzled by this motion,” said Coun. Fred Busch, noting the state of the piles was unknown. “We don’t have the full report on the bridge.”
There was concern that if the piles were not in great condition, speeding and heavy loads could cause damage to the bridge.
Couns. Suzanne Carpenter and Don Richardson agreed with Busch.
“Why would we spend money to take the dips out,” said Carpenter. “The reason the bridge has lasted so long is because of the dips.”
Coun. Terry Rysz said he drives over the bridge quite often, and there isn’t nearly as much truck traffic as there used to be.
“Those dips absolutely accomplish nothing,” said Rysz, noting the dips also don’t make a difference when it comes to speeding on the bridge. “I’m opposed to them and have been since day one.”
