Residents are hopping mad over the closure of an 84-year-old bridge spanning the Virgin River between Hurricane and LaVerkin, saying it cuts non-motorized and emergency access between the towns.
More than 400 area residents have signed petitions asking Washington County to rethink shutting down the Old Hot Springs Bridge.LaVerkin resident Gordon Wood said the closure creates hazards for foot traffic and bicyclers, forcing them to brave traffic on a new state-owned span.
"It's an accident waiting to happen," Wood said. "You take your life in your hands when attempting to cross because the bridge is narrow, traffic is heavy and there's no pedestrian walkway."
Both Hurricane and LaVerkin city councils have passed resolutions asking commissioners to reconsider its action.
Commissioner Jerry Lewis said the county had no choice but to close the bridge after a Utah Department of Transportation inspection revealed it is unsafe.
UDOT bridge inspector Dwayne Glad said a May 20 inspection showed the 83-year-old bridge was in "terrible condition" and likely to collapse under stress.
It would cost an estimated $500,000 to $1 million to replace the bridge, which leaves the county in more of a bind. The money may be better spent replacing the bridge, but federal law prohibits the county from tearing the historic structure down.
Under the circumstances, Lewis said the county would be willing to give up the landmark.
He suggested one solution would be for Hurricane and LaVerkin to each annex to the center of the bridge and use city money to make the repairs.