County weighs flex-fund bridge applications and possible removals; DOT deadline set

County engineers and commissioners spent substantial time Sept. 9 reviewing a package of flex-fund applications for minor bridges and culverts, discussing priorities, matching contributions and a related state proposal to remove deficient bridges rather than replace them.

Why it matters: The state’s flex-fund program can pay to remove or replace federally inspected bridges. County staff said the program’s briefing showed several candidate structures that the state may fund for removal rather than replacement; removing a bridge permanently removes it from the inspected-structure inventory and relieves the county of recurring inspection responsibilities but also permanently changes local access. Staff said some candidate sites have estimates under the program’s usual $250,000 threshold and proposed combining additional nearby structures in an application to meet funding criteria.

Discussion highlights: Staff reviewed maps showing four bridge removals the DOT suggested for further cost estimates and multiple replacement or rehab candidates. Commissioners and staff discussed the trade-off between accepting removal money and preserving access; staff noted some structures serve minimal traffic and could be converted to low-water crossings or culverts if removal were accepted. The DOT asked for prioritized rankings and cost estimates; staff said the deadline for a response to that request is Oct. 15.

Next steps and direction: Commissioners asked county staff and local road supervisors to inspect candidate sites, consult townships and report back at the next meeting to finalize which projects to include in flex-fund applications. Staff said they would contact DOT staff to clarify removal versus replacement options and to confirm whether removal decisions would be permanent.

No final votes were taken on removing specific bridges at the Sept. 9 meeting; commissioners directed field visits and additional analysis before making decisions.