(KNOX) – There is a short term solution underway to fix the Stutsman Street bridge in Pembina. The bridge has been closed since June because of safety issues, and Pembina City Engineer Dean Helstrom says the plan is to completely replace the bridge to hold up to 16 tons.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation and Pembina officials have been trying to address the issue for several months, and there are plans for what would be a short term fix that would last between five to ten years.
There are repairs being made to the east and west end vents, and to the piers of the west side of the bridge.
The city is looking to receive funding for the designing portion and for fully replacing the bridge. Only pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge right now, where golf carts and smaller motor vehicles can not because of some issues that have developed affecting the Pembina Golf Course.
The Pembina Golf Course has asked the city for $35,000, as the bridge closure had affected the public ability to play golf and participate in other activities at the playground and baseball field.
The bridge has been dealing with chipping on its surface, as well as cracks and splitting in some of the pedestals right above the columns. There was also five inches of movement at the east end of the bridge and the movement cut the anchor rods.
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