Henry County highway staff told the council Tuesday that the bridge on 400 South (near the airport) has deck cracks and must remain posted with a 17‑ton weight limit; staff presented two funding options and estimated costs and timetable implications for each.

A highway representative explained that consultants found cracks in the bridge deck and that the bridge will remain open with a 17‑ton limit for light vehicles while the county pursues replacement. The consultant estimated a net construction cost (after federal aid assumptions) of about $448,325 if the project follows a federal‑aid path; staff said design and inspection costs would be paid up front locally and then reimbursed, with construction funding (the countys 20% share) likely in fiscal year 2031 under the federal schedule. An alternative is to fund more of the project design and construction locally; staff estimated that approach could shorten the schedule by roughly a year but would require significantly more local dollars up front (design plus construction estimates presented in the meeting were materially higher under the accelerated local funding scenario).

Council members asked whether a 17‑ton posting would allow school buses but not semis or heavy agricultural trucks; staff confirmed the limit would permit typical school buses but not heavier commercial freight vehicles. Council members also raised enforcement concerns: a posted limit is effective only if drivers comply, and staff said the county does not have the resources to physically enforce a 24/7 closure for overweight vehicles.

Highway staff noted the countys cumulative bridge fund balance was about $425,000 as of Aug. 30 but that those funds were already earmarked for culverts and small bridges and that invoice timing can affect year‑end balances. Council members discussed whether to reallocate recently budgeted highway funds and whether the council should ask the commissioners to prioritize the bridge project. One council member offered to contact state legislators and officials—including Senator Rotz, Rep. Chriswell and other state contacts—to request assistance and a possible state funding path; staff agreed that a letter of support would strengthen a federal aid application.

Why it matters: The bridge serves local traffic near the county airport; a prolonged restriction will affect local freight, agricultural traffic and routing for heavier vehicles. The county must decide whether to pursue federal aid (lower local share but longer timeline) or accelerate the project with local funds at higher near‑term cost.

What remains open: No final decision was recorded at the meeting; staff and commissioners will consider tradeoffs among timing, local cash availability, cumulative bridge fund policy changes (a council member urged revisiting the countys cumulative bridge rate before May 31, 2026) and potential state assistance.