Pearl Pass Bridge repairs confirmed a success
Andrew Knapp/Courtesy photo
Repairs have been completed on the Pearl Pass Bridge on the road that connects the ghost town of Ashcroft to Crested Butte.
The road is reopened after untreated timber from the 2010 bridge decayed to the point of needing repair.
The bridge was originally built with timber sourced from the surrounding landscape, shortening its lifespan. According to the Pitkin County Engineer Andrew Knapp, the 15-year lifespan of the original bridge is “about as good as you could hope for there.”
By switching to treated timber products, which were delivered to the site, Knapp expects the new bridge can last longer than 15 years.
In addition to the improved construction materials, the new bridge has wear-boards along the wheel path, which will help to reduce wear on the decking of the bridge. He doesn’t expect the road will need to be closed for “a long time.”
According to a Pitkin County PSA, there has also been work done on the road drainage around the bridge, which will also help improve the lifespan and safety of the road.
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