Utah's aging bridges demand attention

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A bridge replacement along I-80 is on hold for now, but there are plenty of other bridges in Utah that need immediate attention.

Six percent of Utah's 1,788 bridges are structurally deficient, using federal standards. And more than 500 bridges need to be repaired over the next decade.

2009 will be a big year for bridge replacements. They'll happen on Riverdale Road and on U.S. 191 over the Colorado River. Plus, major components of bridges between Spanish Fork and Santaquin will be replaced.

UDOT spokesman Nile Easton says crews are regularly checking bridges to make sure they're safe, since most are approaching their 50-year lifespan. He says, "That 50-year lifespan is up against that time frame now, so we have about 500 bridges that are going to need significant repairs over the next 10 years."

UDOT is currently replacing bridges on I-80, between 1300 East and State Street.

E-mail: aadams@ksl.com