Spring Creek Bridges Replacement Enhances Safety and Resilience in Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison, CO

The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with Tribal One on a critical infrastructure project to replace two aging bridges along National Forest System Road 7744 in the Gunnison Ranger District of the Gunnison National Forest. Located east of Highway 135 near Gunnison, Colorado, the Spring Creek Bridges—identified as Bridge #3 and Bridge #4—serve as vital links for forest access and recreation.

Bridge #3 is a single-span, single-lane prestressed concrete structure, while Bridge #4 consists of a three-span, single-lane steel girder design. Both bridges had reached the end of their service life, prompting a comprehensive replacement effort to improve safety, reliability, and environmental resilience.

The project will be executed in three phases. Phase 1 involves site investigations and hydraulic analysis, including borings at each bridge location and environmental assessments. Surface water samples will be collected from Spring Creek to conduct corrosion testing, ensuring the durability of the new structures. Phase 2 focuses on final design and contract preparation, while Phase 3 encompasses the demolition and disposal of the existing bridges and the installation of new structures.

The new bridges will be designed to withstand a 95-year flood event, accounting for 30–50% debris blockage and providing three feet of freeboard for added safety. These enhancements significantly improve the resilience of the roadway and protect critical access routes within the national forest.