November 2022
Custer County, in conjunction with MDT, started working together about five years ago to get this project planned and designed. Forward thinking and working with our state agency is how this project was successfully completed.
Purpose and Need
Due to the continual deterioration of the deck on the bridge over Yellowstone River on Tusler Road, Custer County officials formally requested that the Montana Department of Transportation investigate providing resources to rehabilitate the deck and other elements of the structure. The level of required rehabilitation has been determined to be beyond the ability of Custer County to perform. The route is used considerably by residential, agricultural, and business interests and due to the structure’s continual deterioration, the overall safety and commercial effectiveness of the route is being compromised. Custer County officials have identified the rehabilitation of this structure as a top priority for its transportation infrastructure needs.
Public Summary
The project includes the replacement of the bridge deck surface of the Bridge over the Yellowstone River (Kinsey Bridge) located on Custer County Route L09062 (Tusler Road) approximately 9 miles northeast of Miles City. The work will include the replacement of the existing bridge decking material and some reconstruction of the roadway approaching the structure. As agreed upon with Custer County officials, the road will be temporarily closed and traffic will be maintained through the use of nearby county roads and state highways while the new bridge deck is installed and roadwork is performed. The purpose of this project is to extend the life of the existing bridge, improve the overall safety of the structure & road, and improve the deck riding surface. The structure has been identified as being in in poor condition. In addition, railing improvements and other minor enhancements will be included to improve safety at the bridge.
Bridges
The existing timber/steel plate bridge deck will be replaced. Alternative decking materials were investigated to determine the most cost effective and durable material for the rehabilitation with open grid metal decking deemed the most appropriate for this site. Bridge railing meeting Test Level-2 criteria will be added to the structure with corresponding w-beam bridge approach railing and terminal sections. Several alternate county roads and secondary highways exist near the site that will be utilized to maintain traffic during construction. The Custer County Road Department will investigate salvaging any of the useable deck timbers and steel materials to the Custer County yard located in Miles City. If not, the contractor will be directed to remove and dispose of any non-salvaged materials in accordance with applicable laws and Department guidance.
Construction Cost Estimate
The Project Total CN+CE (TOTAL costs w/INF + IDC) was at $2,300,000 at the 2020 TCP snapshot. TOTAL costs
| STPB CN | $1,950,000 | $16,200 | $2,160,000 |
| * Local Funds CN | $90,000 | $700 | $100,000 |
| TOTAL CN | $2,040,000 | $16,900 | $2,260,000 |
| CE (10%) | $205,000 | $1,700 | $230,000 |
Project TOTAL from all of the funding types above:
| Project TOTAL CN+CE | $2,245,000 | $18,600 | $2,490,000 |
* Custer County has committed up to $100,000 in county funds for purposes of financing the project’s construction.