Commissioners approve several highway and bridge projects including Salt Fork slip repairs and York Ridge bridge deck replacement

Dearborn County commissioners approved a slate of highway and bridge projects and appropriations covering slip repairs, small-structure replacements and at least one bridge deck replacement during the meeting. Key approvals included: - Salt Fork slip repair: Commissioners approved a request to fund repairs of slips on Salt Fork Road with a supplemental appropriation of $1.8 million to come from MVHA (Fund 49.16). Highway staff described multiple slips between Jackson Ridge and Route 1 that have reappeared repeatedly; the funding will allow a contractor-led program using a mix of techniques (sheet piling, shotcrete, soil nails) tailored to each site. - Harrison Brookville Road small-structure replacements (Structures 624 and 625): The board approved a combined replacement approach ($550,000, to come from MVHA) for multiple box-culvert structures on Harrison Brookville Road; contractors will close affected segments and aim to limit closures to 30-40 days per structure. - York Ridge Road bridge (Bridge 68) deck replacement: Commissioners approved $1.3 million from MVHA to replace the entire deck on York Ridge Road in Guilford after inspection found the existing deck beyond patching. The project will require a full closure lasting several months; staff said they are coordinating with emergency services and utilities to plan detours and maintain access. - Davidson Road (Bridge 221) replacement: The board approved $1.4 million for a replacement project including a runaround using owned tank sections; right-of-way purchases are expected to be completed by fall for a November letting. - Hoosman Road bank protection: A separate contract for sheet piling and soil nails near a bridge to protect the wing wall and roadway was approved for roughly $160,000 out of MVHA. Highway Superintendent Todd Campbell summarized ongoing work including bridge deck pours in the current season and explained the urgency to complete local projects before the state bridge work around I-74 begins in 2027, which will affect detours and interstate access. Commissioners discussed prioritizing the MVHA/riverboat fund (49.16) for these capital improvements; they approved funding transfers and the listed projects by vote. Why this matters: The projects address repeated roadway instability and aging bridge infrastructure. The approvals allocate millions in locally controlled MVHA/riverboat funds to prevent recurring closures and to keep critical rural routes open for residents and emergency services.