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Bulloch County approves $424,500 contract with Kimley‑Horn to design multi‑span bridge on GW Oliver Road; FEMA reimbursement expected
Summary
After repeated storm damage closed a section of GW Oliver Road, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners authorized design and engineering services from Kimley‑Horn in an amount up to $424,500 to develop plans for a multi‑span bridge and roadway repairs. Commissioners approved the work unanimously; county staff ex
Bulloch County commissioners authorized an individual project order with Kimley‑Horn and Associates to prepare design, hydrology/hydraulics (H&H) analysis, permitting and construction documents for a new multi‑span bridge and roadway improvements on GW Oliver Road over Little Lots Creek.
County Engineer Ron Nelson described the need: a segment of GW Oliver Road has been closed to traffic since August 2024 after scour, settlement and pavement failure at the Little Lots Creek crossing following repeated heavy rain events. Nelson said the drainage at the crossing is currently conveyed through seven 72‑inch reinforced concrete pipes that are inadequate for recent storm events.
Kimley‑Horn’s scope includes topographic survey, geotechnical studies, hydrology and hydraulic modeling and report, agency permitting, opinion of probable construction cost, final design plans and limited construction‑phase services. The engineer said FEMA requires an H&H report and related materials before mitigation work will be approved for reimbursement; Nelson said the county has been given a deadline to submit key materials in late July.
Commissioners discussed alternatives and emergency‑services input. Acting county staff and emergency responders reported closing the road would not be supported by local emergency agencies and residents identified the crossing as an important cut‑through. The board approved the design services contract unanimously.
Nelson and county staff discussed reimbursement and cost estimates: the design contract is $424,500. Nelson told commissioners the estimated construction cost for a replacement bridge is on the order of $2,000,000; he also noted FEMA mitigation reimbursement historically runs near 75% for similar projects, though final reimbursement depends on FEMA review and approval of the H&H report and other documentation.
Nelson summarized recent storm events that contributed to the damage: Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 2024) produced about 13.2 inches of rain; an unnamed November 2024 storm produced 7.27 inches in 48 hours; and a May 2025 event produced about 6.9 inches in 24 hours. He told commissioners Kimley‑Horn expects to meet the FEMA submittal deadline and that the county would have the option not to proceed to construction or to re‑scope work if the opinion of probable cost exceeds available funding.
Ending: The board approved the contract to proceed with design and permitting. County staff will return with a completed H&H report and a statement of probable construction costs; pending FEMA approval and available funding, the county intends to move forward with construction.
