(Milford)– The Milford City Council Monday approved plans for the construction of a bridge at the Lower Gar Outlet, replacing the culverts that are there now. The vote, however, wasn’t unanimous with councilmen Dave Worshek and Chris Hinshaw voting no.
The project is being overseen by the county, but the city does have some say over some provisions to be included with the bridge, including some street lights that will be installed on each end of the bridge. Mayor Steve Anderson says installing the lights on the bridge itself along with a recreational trail, would trigger additional permitting requirements that would take more time.
The council’s action includes a provision that the city of Milford automatically go along with a contingency plan by the county in the event of a significant increase in water levels happening prior to the construction of the bridge.
Worshek tells KUOO news his no vote follows discussions he’s had with some Milford residents who live on the south side of Lower Gar…
“Some concerns about timelines, taking the culverts out now, leaving it sit all winter, I had some concerns from the residents down there for access. I wasn’t here for the original vote on the whole project but I would have some concerns about water level, how it’s going to affect some of the people downstream. There’s just some concerns I would have. I know it’s going forward and we’re not going to change it. My vote no tonight was because of the timelines for taking the culverts out early.”
The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors last week set August 12th for a bid letting on the project. The contractor would be required to remove the eliptical culverts by September 15th with the late start date for construction of the bridge itself being April 1st, 2026.
