A man was injured in Cowley County Tuesday morning while operating heavy equipment to demolish a stone bridge near Dexter.
Emergency crews responded to the historic Pudden Bridge work site for reports an excavator had fallen from the partially-demolished bridge. The equipment operator was conscious but experiencing back discomfort, according to information from the scene.
That person – who has not been identified by name – was transported from the scene by air ambulance with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Cowley County officials and Sheriff David Falletti confirmed an accident occurred. All questions were referred to the Kansas Dept. of Transportation, which is overseeing the event.
A call to that office was not immediately returned.
According to an announcement in July, Newton-based Bridges Inc. was chosen as the contractor to replace the historic Pudden Bridge which crosses Grouse Creek near Dexter.
Just under $1.36 million has been approved for construction, according to an announcement from the Kansas Dept. of Transportation. Salina-based Kirkham Michael had a bid approved for the project’s construction engineering services for a separate amount of just under $279,000.
All services are covered under a grant total of $2 million with no costs to the county, except for the expense of design and geotechnical services which have already been approved and are nearly completed.
The replacement bridge will cross Grouse 2.5 miles south and 3.5 miles west of Dexter.
