Highway department reports bridge replacement, completion of county chip‑and‑seal work and upcoming MDOT grant cycle

Highway Department staff updated the Decatur County Board of Commissioners on July 21 about ongoing road and bridge work, completion of a major chip‑and‑seal contract and an upcoming MDOT grant cycle. Highway Superintendent Tom (surname not stated) said a bridge deck replacement on “Bridal 63” (location described as on 120 east south of 300) is under way. Crews plan to lift the deck using cranes, trailer the deck to the shop and drive pilings; the superintendent estimated the work could take 10–12 weeks. He said the existing deck will be preserved and reused where appropriate. On chip‑and‑seal work, the superintendent said contractors have completed most county roads — about 116 miles — and have submitted two invoices; one remaining invoice was expected. He described overall satisfaction with the contractor’s work, noting a few isolated complaints and some rain-related issues on a small segment. The superintendent briefed commissioners on MDOT’s grant timeline: a call for 2026 projects opens Oct. 1 and requires projects to be closed out and documentation submitted; he said he and county staff plan to prepare and submit projects on Oct. 1. He also reported a culvert replacement east of town where county crews replaced an undersized 15-inch pipe with a 24-inch pipe to meet current standards. The board received the updates; no formal actions were taken at the meeting.