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Annual inspections find three Dunn County bridges must be load-posted; replacements planned for 2027–28
Summary
County highway staff told the Highway Committee on Sept. 10 that 27 bridges were inspected this year and three require load postings, including one in Sand Creek that officials expect will affect local agricultural traffic until replacement in 2027.
County bridge inspectors and an outside consultant completed the county's annual inspections and reported Sept. 10 that three bridges must be load-posted this year, staff told the Dunn County Highway Committee.
Justin, a highway engineering staff member, reported that KBIS Consultants inspected 27 bridges that require annual review because of condition or load-posting history: 14 county bridges and 13 town or village bridges. "Late July is when that was completed, all the bridges were inspected," Justin said.
Staff said three bridges triggered load-post postings. Two of those—one on County Highway HH near Highway 29 and one on Elliot Street near Ridgeland—were described as less concerning; the bridge in Sand Creek, which serves as a primary town crossing, was highlighted as likely to produce more public concern because of its importance to agricultural traffic. Justin said the Sand Creek bridge's condition required posting at 20 tons under inspection rules.
"Obviously, that particular bridge is the heart of Sand Creek, and that is going to be a huge concern with agricultural community," Justin said, adding that all three bridges are already in the county's replacement program with expected construction in 2027 and, for one structure, in 2028.
Staff emphasized that posting is mandated by the inspection condition state and federal load-analysis rules rather than discretionary county choice. Justin said the county has informed the town of Sand Creek and offered to meet with residents and landowners to explain the posting and timeline.
Why it matters: load postings restrict heavy vehicles on affected crossings and can force longer, local detours for farm equipment and commercial haulers. Staff cautioned that temporary restrictions are required by safety analysis and that replacement projects are scheduled but will take time to design and fund.
Next steps: staff will coordinate communications with affected towns, maintain posted limits until replacement, and proceed with design and funding steps for replacement projects in 2027–28.
