Local Wildlife and Safety Concerns Prompt Closure of BLM Road 1096's Orange Bridge in Elko District

The Wells Field Office, Elko District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada, has announced the closure of the Orange Bridge. This bridge is part of BLM road 1096 and will be closed from June 3 to October 30, 2024. The closure is due to safety concerns and to protect local wildlife in the Marys River watershed in northern Elko County.

The Orange Bridge was first installed in 1954 and modified in 1991. It is now a top priority for replacement by the BLM in Nevada. An inspection in 2021 found the bridge to be in poor condition. Since 2013, the bridge has been limited to carrying loads of 3 tons due to wear and tear.

The bridge is important for access to the northern part of the Elko District and the Jarbidge Wilderness. Without it, a 50-mile detour would be required. This makes the bridge essential for those enjoying outdoor activities, livestock farmers, and others.

The replacement of the bridge is expected to take about four weeks. This will happen within a six-week period from September 16 to October 30, 2024. The timing is planned to avoid disrupting the river flow and local wildlife breeding season. During construction, the flow of the river under the bridge will not be blocked.

The BLM has confirmed that construction equipment will not enter the river. BLM biologists will monitor the construction activity. For any questions or comments about the closure, contact Civil Engineer, Duncan Welch.

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