After over a year and millions of dollars, the “impossible” is finished and open.
The Cody Chamber of Commerce joined the city’s public works department, Mountain Construction Company, and other agency representatives Thursday for the official ribbon cutting at Castle Creek.
The original scope of the $14 million dollar Southfork Federal Lands Access Project was the full-depth reclamation of approximately 6 miles of pavement, minor shoulder widening, and re-graveling 7 miles of the existing base segment of the road.
Quite a bit more has been accomplished with the funding. In addition to completing all the original objectives, Mountain Construction Company completely rebuilt the Shoshone River Bridge, added 4 extra turnouts, and doubled the number of culverts. Rebuilding the Shoshone River Bridge, in particular, was said to be “impossible” by earlier contractors. Despite the formidable issues encounter, the bridge is finished and sounded than ever.
It’s been challenging, but its been done.
Headquartered in Powell, Mountain Construction Company is especially pleased with how the project was localized, using mostly Park County workers and materials to get the job done.
Cody matched 16% of the funds raised – approximately $2 million dollars – thru the city’s General Purpose 1% Sales and Use Tax. The rest was received from federal funds, as the road provides access to high traffic recreation sites in the area.
Local recreation groups, like the Shoshone Back Country Horseman and Cody Ice Climbers, wrote letters of support that were an enormous asset in gaining the funds need for the project.
Brian Edwards, County Engineer for Park County, says this was one of the smoothest, most efficient projects in which he’s been involved. Its one of the county’s “local secrets” and everyone will benefit from these stellar improvements in the years to come.
