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County updates bridge work, schedules Eagle Road closure and approves new chipper and crane boom purchases
Summary
Engineers reported multiple bridge repairs and a temporary closure of Eagle Road; supervisors approved buying a Vermeer wood chipper (about $86,805) partially offset by a $50,000 grant and authorized purchase of a 20-foot crane boom section (~$20,100).
Blackhawk County engineers told supervisors Aug. 26 that multiple bridge projects are underway, including a timber-deck replacement on Ordway Road and backfilling work on a large culvert on Dubuque Road, and that Eagle Road will close for about three weeks while contractor work proceeds.
Cathy Nicholas, county engineer, said the bridge crew is handling several projects and that a remote parking replacement project is paused while a frame is repaired. She said Ordway Road's timber decking is being replaced and that a contractor must finish repairs on four bridges before the end of the construction season.
Nicholas said Eagle Road will close on Thursday for approximately three weeks while water-construction contractors return to complete work. She also reported that Team Road remains closed due to high water in the county's northeast.
Separately, the board approved purchasing a 2025 Vermeer wood chipper for $86,805 (the county budgeted $95,000 for the item in FY26). County staff said a roadside-biologist secured a $50,000 grant to offset the cost; the machine was procured through the Sourcewell cooperative. The county expects a 25- to 30-year service life with routine maintenance.
The board also approved buying a 20-foot crane boom section for about $20,100 to prepare the county's crane for a diesel hammer that will be purchased later; staff said the equipment will help prepare for the eventual retirement of the county's experienced crane operator and provide a more automated, safer pile-driving process.
Formal votes to approve the capital purchases were recorded by roll call and passed. Supervisors asked about life expectancy and costs; staff answered that the chipper choice fit operational and safety needs and that the crane boom purchase is the first component of a larger conversion to a diesel-hammer system.
The county did not request additional budget authority beyond the FY26 allocations; staff said they will return with further details on the diesel hammer procurement.
