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County public works celebrates large bridge grant, outlines repairs and shop lift concerns
Summary
Public works reported that funding was secured to cover about 85% of the Southwest Fourteenth bridge replacement, plans to let the contract in early 2027, and described local bridge repairs, pavement striping concerns and expensive options to repair or replace an old in-ground vehicle lift at the county shop.
Harvey County public works updated commissioners on Sept. 16 about a major bridge funding award, planned repairs and equipment needs.
Public works staff reported that the county secured funding to cover approximately 85% of the cost to replace Bridge I 19.7 on Southwest Fourteenth. "We have to have a contract within 2 years... I think, to be let in early 27," the department representative said, describing the schedule shared by the county engineer. The bridge crosses Sand Creek on the south edge of town, "between the BNSF Railroad and Bridges Incorporated." Commissioners described the funding as a significant win; the presenter said the award "is a huge solution to a very big problem."
Separately, the department said materials to repair two bridges damaged by drift during high water have been located at Bridges Incorporated in town and that the county plans to begin repairs as weather permits. The county also noted pavement striping work completed by a contractor produced mixed results; public-works staff said they are "not happy with it" and have raised workmanship concerns with the contractor.
Public works also described a major equipment concern at the county shop: an aging in-ground vehicle lift that may be costly to repair or replace. "There is a big doubt on the company's mind that they're gonna be able to come up with replacement parts... They don't even know where to begin to even look for for parts," the presenter said. He warned the concrete work and installation for an in-ground lift would make replacement costly: "it's more than we wanna lose in a 90 year old building because the lift would go in ground... In the new facility, an above ground lift would be the preferable, kind of lift." Commissioners discussed funding sources, including capital improvements, and asked staff to obtain estimates.
The department also said it will recommend renewing the county’s engineering contract with MKEC and that a recommendation will come to the board at a future meeting.
Why this matters: a major state or federal funding award greatly reduces local costs for a bridge replacement project that can affect traffic, safety and local industry access. Simultaneously, the county faces near-term repair work and capital-equipment decisions that will require budgeting and planning.
No formal votes were taken on project awards or equipment replacement at the Sept. 16 meeting; staff said recommendations and contract renewals will be brought forward to commissioners for consideration.
