GILLETTE, Wyo. — During its next meeting, the Gillette City Council will vote on whether to spend nearly $64,000 in Optional 1% funding to pay for inspection services related to the Gurley Overpass.
According to the council agenda, the money will be used to provide what has become annual inspection services for the overpass. If approved, Structural Dynamics will conduct a visual inspection of steel girders, girder braces, piers, expansion joints, drainage and bearings.
Per the agenda, the project scope also includes inspecting the north and south abutments, taking photographs, sizing damage and documenting the degree of any movement. The inspectors will also observe rust, pitting, chalking, crazing and salt staining.
Additionally, the project includes a manual “sounding” of the deck surface using chaining tools, which will reveal the position and size of any delamination of the top surface. Previous epoxy injection sites are up for inspection, with the city expecting a full report identifying whether further epoxy or repairs are necessary, the agenda states.
According to the city, any inspection or maintenance of the deck surfacing will result in an overpass closure, though under-bridge inspections can be completed without closing the bridge to motorists.
Should the project funding be approved, the sounding will take place in May 2025 with two inspections scheduled throughout the year, one occurring this summer and another in the fall. Bidding for potential epoxy sealing is anticipated for the summer months.
