Bridge near pipeline protest likely to reopen – eventually
BISMARCK, N.D. — Reopening a bridge near the main Dakota Access pipeline protest encampment is key to restoring better relations between the state and the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, according to North Dakota’s now-former governor and the tribal chairman, but the effort will take weeks if not months.
The bridge, unofficially called the Backwater Bridge, has been closed since late October, when protesters of the four-state, $3.8 billion pipeline blocked the bridge with burning vehicles, damaging the structure. It’s also the site of several clashes, including on Nov. 20, when authorities used tear gas, rubber bullets and water sprays on protesters who they say assaulted officers with rocks and burning logs.
The state Transportation Department has said they can’t inspect the bridge until they know their workers will be safe, though pipeline opponents believe the closure is meant to block the north end of the federal land, where hundreds of protesters are camped out.
Before he left office Thursday, Gov. Jack Dalrymple met with Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault, agreeing to enlist the Bureau of Indian Affairs to help ensure the safety of inspectors so that the bridge can reopen.