The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) retired the last remaining steel truss bridge in the state.
The 115-year-old Monarch Bridge is a historic piece of infrastructure, originally used by miners to transport coal. Now, it is being preserved on land adjacent to the Tongue River.
WYDOT resident engineer Jake Whisonant said the visual aesthetics and the bridge’s history have led to an effort to preserve it.
“Due its historic nature, we want to be able to preserve that along with some kind of assistance from the county and private landowners,” Whisonant said. “We are going to stage that bridge so people can still take a look at it and look into and learn about some of the historic value.”
The bridge serves as a reminder to Monarch’s past despite the deteriorating status of the structure.
WYDOT plans on replacing the bridge. However, until they can replace it, a temporary detour will be put up. The replacement structure will be a collaboration with Sheridan County.
The bridge replacement is expected to be completed in the fall.
The original bridge was awarded funding on Aug. 3, 1909, and cost $2,100. It was built by the Canton Bridge company.
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Source: Cowboy State Daily, K2 Radio
