County amends bridge program to replace culverts on 350th Street Way in Leon Township

Goodhue County commissioners on May 6 amended the county’s five-year bridge construction program and approved an agreement with Leon Township to replace two 48-inch culverts on 350th Street Way with two 72-inch culverts.

Public works staff explained the existing twin 48-inch culverts do not meet the state definition of a bridge but the proposed pair of 72-inch culverts would meet that definition and therefore be eligible for town-bridge funding. Leon Township had earlier restricted travel on the road because of structural deficiencies. County staff said culvert design and construction are simpler and more cost effective than box culverts and that the project could be designed and bid with other township structures in the program.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure right-of-way surveying and recording because portions of the road appear to be on private tax rolls (the county noted an apparent instance of a landowner being taxed for property that includes public road area). Staff said the township must acquire right-of-way and the county will assist with recording. The board included the requirement to pursue right-of-way documentation for tax purposes in its approval language.

The board moved and seconded the amendment and agreement; the motion passed on a voice vote. Staff noted there would be no direct county financial impact because township and town-bridge dollars would fund the replacement.

Next steps include survey and right-of-way acquisition by the township, county assistance with recording, and project design and bidding to fit within the amended five-year program timeline.