The Committee of the Whole on July 10 authorized staff to prepare legislation to commission engineering plans for repairs to the Main Street bridge that crosses the C X Railroad, after the streets department reported accelerated deterioration at one bridge approach.

Staff said photos in the packet show the damage and recommended issuing an RFP for testing and design work; only one of seven firms responded with a proposal. The first phase is testing; depending on results, a second phase would proceed with design and possible wearing surface replacement. Including a 10% contingency, staff said the total needed would be $93,060 and recommended a budget transfer moving $45,000 from annual street improvements to bridge maintenance and repair to award the project to Fishback for $84,600.

A motion to draft the necessary legislation was approved by roll call. Staff emphasized this is the first repair under the present tenure they were aware of and said larger bridge grants exist for more extensive projects, though planning and design are required to pursue them.

Why it matters: The bridge approach deterioration prompted expedited capital work to produce engineering plans needed for grant applications and to schedule repairs. The committee authorized staff to proceed with contract drafting and internal budget transfer steps that will be placed before the regular council for final approval.