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Commissioners approve additional $54,700 supplement for Bridal 27 bridge design as project shifts from rehab to replacement
Summary
County engineers told commissioners they moved a federally funded Bridal 27 project from rehabilitation to full replacement after condition and long-term value analysis. The board approved a $54,700 contract supplement to cover added engineering and foundation design work and recorded the recommendation as a matter of record.
Adams County commissioners approved adding $54,700 to the contract for engineering work on the Bridal 27 bridge project after staff recommended changing the scope from a rehab to a full replacement.
County staff said the project was initially programmed as a rehabilitation but that foundation and permitting work required for a full replacement (including pilings and work below ordinary high-water mark) had increased the engineering scope. The presenter said the supplement covers the added work so the county can advance the project as a federal-aid replacement rather than risk spending most construction dollars on an older foundation.
Why it matters: commissioners were told the change avoids spending a majority of project funds on an aging substructure that could fail in short order; staff said a replacement is more likely to yield longer life and avoid near-term follow-up costs. The presenter described that early engineering work left the project about 70% complete when he assumed the file, which helped secure federal funding for the full-replacement option.
Details: the presenter said the contractor (Butler, Framer and Seyfert) had performed under a current contract but that the county held back a supplement until scope and costs were clearer. The presenter recommended the $54,700 supplement to expand the consultant's contract so that foundation design, pilings and additional permitting work are covered. Staff provided a copy of the existing contract total (about $1,618.92 as a fragment shown in the packet) and said the supplement would amend hourly/ceiling amounts but would not change the core agreement terms.
Local context: the bridge sits on Pitbull Road near the stretch north of Decatur; commissioners discussed geometry (narrow width) and condition as factors in prioritization, noting federal width guidance and local driver behavior can differ. Staff said geometry alone would not force replacement unless structural condition justified it; narrow bridges in good condition may be left in service to maximize limited funds.
Action taken: the board recorded the recommendation and approved moving forward with the supplement and documentation; staff will provide signed copies to the auditor.
Taper: staff said the project will be bid next year for federal funding and the supplement lets the county complete needed design work before bidding.
