When state inspectors looked at the 86-yearold bridge, four miles west of Ellsworth on Old Highway 40, they noticed the concrete was breaking down and decaying.

Getting that bridge repaired is in the works.

Construction was set to start Friday, Jan. 17; however, demolition and construction have been slowed by damp weather. Still — even with the weather being uncooperative — the bridge is set to be done by Aug. 15.

“That bridge was built in 1934,” said Dale Houston, superintendent of the Ellsworth County Road and Bridge Department.“It needed replaced because it’s narrow and had a 10-ton weight limit. A lot of the trucks that drive the highway exceed that 10 ton weight limit.”

L and M Construction of Great Bend is the contractor on the $773,021 project.

“The new bridge will have pretty much the same design,” Houston said.“I’m guessing the new one should last 50 to 60 years or so.”

There are signs at both ends of Old Highway 40 — at Ellsworth and Wilson — warning motorists of the closed road. However, there are no suggestions on an alternate route. Some motorists have opted to take Interstate 70 to make the trip between the two towns.

“We don’t have a designated detour,” Houston said.