Commission approves engineering modification for MLK Jr. Bridge study; staff recommends precast ConSpan replacement, grant applied for $750,000

The commission approved a modification to an engineering agreement on March 4 to continue work on replacing the Martin Luther King Jr. bridge over Strode Creek, after Special Projects Manager Mike Flynn outlined alternatives and permitting considerations.

Flynn said Palmer Engineering evaluated several alternatives, including a reinforced concrete box culvert (which the report estimates at roughly $1.345 million) and a precast arch/span system commonly known by the maker name ConSpan. Flynn and staff recommended the ConSpan precast span because it retains the existing channel and avoids certain federal waterway permits, which can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain.

Flynn said the ConSpan option will also allow the addition of turn lanes at the intersection of MLK Drive and the bypass — a change intended to reduce truck impacts on existing guardrail and improve traffic flow for school buses and commercial traffic. The preliminary estimate for the reinforced concrete option was higher; Flynn told commissioners the permit burden for the box culvert would likely increase costs and schedule risk.

Staff has submitted a grant application for $750,000 to help fund the project; Flynn said the grant program typically favors applications under $1 million and that the city has already moved ahead with related work on Jackson Street using the same program. Flynn said staff will ask the commission at the 5:30 p.m. meeting to approve an additional $7,500 to complete fully developed plans so the project can be bid if grant funds are secured.

An agenda order to modify Palmer Engineering’s contract for further design work was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting.