2009 Year End Report
Common Area Committee

Entrance Bridge at I-25 Exit 6

In late 2008, due to the deteriorating state of the bridge, load limit signs were put in place and an engineering study of future options was commissioned.

The study laid out three options;

  1. Replace entire existing structure and center pier.  48” box beams or 42” concrete T beams and concrete pier.  Approximate base cost $581,000.
     
  2. Replace entire existing structure and center pier.  54” concrete T beams and two column pier with concrete cap.  Approximate base cost $587,200.
     
  3. Replace entire existing structure and center pier cap and diagonals.  Steel W36X210 beams.  Replace existing pier cap with HP 12x53 and retrofit existing diagonal braces.  Approximate base cost $718,000.
     

These options seemed extreme to the Board, so a second opinion was requested from a different bridge engineer.  After an inspection, this second engineer felt that it would be feasible to upgrade the existing structure.  This would require sandblasting and painting, to arrest the rusting action, and the fabrication and installation of 4 sets of knee braces at the ends of the flatcars.

We have also applied for a lease of the existing grade crossing across the BNSF tracks at Morley.  The initial application was denied, and a re-application was subsequently submitted.  We have no response yet on the second application.

If we are able to lease the BNSF crossing, all heavy traffic can be routed through Morley, and the only work required on the bridge will be sandblasting and painting, along with some minor re-welding.

Entrance sign

The entrance sign at the guard shack was again in a state of deterioration and was replaced with a more durable version.

Trash collection

The dumpsters were increased to double capacity and moved away from the front gate area, resulting in a much cleaner appearance and eliminating dumpster overflow.  It appears that there have been far fewer instances of construction related abuse.

Grazing lease

The grazing lease was renewed with the rancher through 2013.