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Highway department: seasonal load limits removed; bridge and paving projects ongoing
Summary
The Brookings County highway superintendent told commissioners seasonal load limits were removed, contractors will close segments for repairs, and bridge projects south of Aurora and on 480 Second Avenue are progressing with weather-dependent schedules.
The Brookings County highway department reported that seasonal load limits were removed and that overweight permits will again be issued now that signs have been taken down.
Brian Bridal, representing the highway department, told the commission the county's contractor intends to close Highway 25 through White at the Fifth and the County Road 25/Main intersections to finish intersection work and prepare for gravel surfacing; paving of the roadway is planned later this year once contractor and weather conditions allow. Bridal said the contractor held a preconstruction meeting in late March and the county ensured the school district was notified because classes remain in session.
Bridal also updated the board on bridge projects: a bridge project south of Aurora (project referenced as 08F.3) has removed the old structure, prepared subgrade and installed undercut materials; county crews are monitoring township roads for additional wear caused by construction traffic and will coordinate with Trenton Township on repairs. Another project on 480 Second Avenue south of Highway 14 (project 084) has the old structure removed and pile-driving underway; Bridal said wind and water levels have at times shut down pile work and contractors are managing pumping and dewatering needs.
On traffic patterns, Bridal said the recent closure of Highway 28 North increased local traffic through Bruce and Story and that the county saw more local calls while low-load limits were in place. With load limits removed, he expects heavier truck traffic on County Road 7 (Aastelne/Bruce Oil area referenced in transcript) and County Road 6 off Highway 30, and he said the county will monitor impacts.
Why it matters: Removing load limits restores permitted heavier hauling to county arterials, which affects farm and commercial traffic volumes; bridge and intersection work advances scheduled capital maintenance and may temporarily reroute local traffic.
Next steps: County highway staff will continue to coordinate with contractors and township officials on road repairs and sign placement, and will schedule paving when contractor work and weather permit.
