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Houston County approves Oakland Drive bridge replacement, accepts state bridge grant
Summary
The Houston County Board approved a contract to replace the Oakland Drive bridge in Wilmington Township and accepted a Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) grant to cover most of the cost; county and township funds will cover the remainder.
The Houston County Board of Commissioners approved awarding a contract for the Oakland Drive bridge replacement in Wilmington Township and accepted a state Local Bridge Replacement Program grant to pay most of the project cost.
County staff recommended awarding the contract to Minnewa Construction for SAP 028599101. The board approved the award by voice vote. Staff said the project is a full bridge replacement and “potentially 3, 4 months of closure.”
The board then accepted the grant agreement tied to the same project. County staff told commissioners the LBRP grant will cover $539,044.71; Wilmington Township will provide $20,000 and town bridge account funds will cover roughly $70,000, leaving the grant and local contributions to fully fund the bid as presented.
County staff described additional work required by the state Department of Natural Resources to remove an old abutment in the stream and noted environmental/stream work would be part of the contract. Staff also said the existing bridge uses welded steel joints that are now considered a deficient design, supporting the need for full replacement.
Commissioners asked operational questions including timing and detour/closure impacts; staff said a schedule had not yet been provided and confirmed the crossing will be closed during construction. One commissioner asked that staff contact a nearby elderly resident so she knows when closure will occur.
Actions taken at the meeting: - The board approved awarding the construction contract for SAP 028599101 (Oakland Drive, Wilmington Township) to Minnewa Construction; the award passed by voice vote. (Motion and formal mover/second were on the record; vote recorded as voice approval.) - The board accepted the Local Bridge Replacement Program grant for the same project and authorized the grant agreement; the motion to accept passed by voice vote.
Discussion versus decision: the board’s approvals were formal votes on contracting and on accepting the grant. Staff provided design and funding details during discussion; commissioners questioned schedule and resident notification but did not amend project scope.
Proper names and identifiers mentioned in the meeting include: Oakland Drive; Wilmington Township; Minnewa Construction; SAP 028599101; Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP). Staff also referenced the Department of Natural Resources regarding in-stream work.
The board next steps include executing the contract and the grant agreement and coordinating construction timing and public notices with the township and contractor.
