Newton-based Bridges Inc. has been 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 mount 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.
Cowley County staff and commissioners have been working to replace the bridge for some time. A three-arch stone bridge, known by multiple names including Pudden Bridge, had been on the Kansas State Register of Historic Places.
In 2022, the mid section of the bridge had collapsed partially and was deemed unsafe.
Last year, county officials met with the Kansas State Historic Places Office and received permission to replace Pudden Bridge with Poor Farm Stone Arch Bridge on the register. That cleared the way for Pudden Bridge to be removed and replaced.
The county also needed time to negotiate easements for the new bridge with three landowners. Two of those are finalized.
The replacement bridge will cross Grouse 2.5 miles south and 3.5 miles west of Dexter.
The stone bridge is currently closed to traffic and the crossing will remain closed until a new bridge is in place. A date for demolition and construction has yet to be set.
