Franklin County road and engineering staff reported multiple ongoing projects, including culvert and tile repairs after recent wet weeks, pipe lining trials, paving and slurry leveling, and preliminary work on several bridges. Staff also warned that a major bridge project that spans into a neighboring state has been slowed after crews found the old bridge rests on wood pilings.

"That bridge is setting on wood pilings," Roads Department official Jay said after speaking with the District 2 planner for the Department of Transportation. Staff said crews began installing new pylons adjacent to the old structure but paused when the bridge began to shift, and that environmental and permitting constraints near a wildlife refuge have complicated work.

County crews described a range of local activities: contractors will jet and line culvert pipes with cured-in-place liners to avoid grout, flaggers will be provided for work zones, and a dust control applicator will be used on routes with heavy bus traffic. Crews are also completing white edge and yellow center line striping and have several bridge and tile projects in the queue. Staff said slurry-leveling operations are nearly 60% complete, and painters have about two working days left on the current contract.

Engineering staff said they are cleaning up right-of-way deeds on Heather Avenue and Fortieth Street and preparing notices for upcoming hearings; they also discussed applying for new bridge grant rounds, noting prior bridge work was funded through block grants. The board was told the county plans to apply for additional bridge funding and is considering projects such as S-41 and others in the queue.

The county announced a joint drainage meeting with Wright County and Hancock that will require the board to exit the local YouTube stream for the external meeting link, and staff urged residents to consult the agenda link for details.