Historic bridge to be moved to museum

WORLAND - Work will begin soon to move a nearly 100-year-old bridge from County Road 86 to the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center as part of a joint project between the museum, Wyoming Department of Transportation, Washakie County and Newell Sargent Foundation.

According to a summary document of the WYDOT project, Washakie County has requested that WYDOT replace the Cottonwood Creek Bridge on County Road 86/Winchester Road as part of the Bridge Replacement Off System Program. The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

According to a report of historical investigation for WYDOT in 2019 by Rosenberg Historical Consultants, the bridge has historical significance and meets two criteria for being eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, it is the first steel bridge in the county, it is part of the old Yellowstone Highway, is one of seven bridges with the Warren Pony Truss in the state and it is an important part of the early transportation history in the area.

According to the report the bridge was constructed between 1924-26.

According to Washakie Museum Executive Director Marian Bender, the bridge was the only way to cross Cottonwood Creek when it was first built. Prior to the bridge being constructed, the only way to cross was by ferry.

The bridge is 95 feet long and 18 feet wide.

Bender said a pre-construction meeting with all parties involved was slated for Wednesday, Oct. 19. She said a Memorandum of Understanding with all parties involved was signed a few years ago, prior to her starting her duties at the museum. She said the project got "kicked into gear again this summer."

She said the Newell Sargent Foundation has agreed to allow the bridge to be located on land it donated to the museum, on the south side of the museum, next to the parking lot.

Bender said her understanding is that the concrete decking will be removed and the bridge will be situated to be safe for the public.

She is working with Washakie County Road and Bridge Supervisor Stuart Bower and interim Planner Mike Robinson on the installation.

Details on when the bridge will be moved and construction of the replacement bridge will be available after the pre-construction meeting.