County engineer reports bridge closure into 2026, Dutch Avenue patching to exceed budget

County road and bridge staff updated the Harvey County Board of Commissioners on May 20 about active road and bridge projects, including a state-funded bridge that will remain closed into 2026 and local work with expected cost increases.

The county’s road and bridge presenter summarized work on three reinforced-concrete-box replacements and said the bridge on Southeast Sixtieth (project E 30.7) — funded with state and federal dollars — is closed and “the tentative letting date is scheduled for July 23 of this year, which means the completion of that bridge will very likely be in 2026.” He added the county is dependent on the state’s schedule and contractor selection for more precise timing.

Why it matters: the closure affects travel on the county’s southeast corridor and delays depend on state-managed contracting. Commissioners were told the county cannot set a contractor timetable for this project because it is being let by state sources with federal funding.

Key project details provided: - Three reinforced-concrete-box replacements at Northeast Lake Road, North Emmett Creek south of Twelfth and South Wheat State near the county line were reported as nearly complete or opening this week. - The Southeast Sixtieth bridge (E 30.7) is closed due to deck damage; because it is a state project with federal funds, county staff said they are “at the mercy of their scheduling,” with a tentative letting date in late July and likely completion in 2026. - Dutch Avenue concrete patching is proceeding and is expected to be complete soon, but the road and bridge director warned the contract will overrun. He estimated the overrun at roughly $25,000 after reallocating unused line items, and told commissioners the county has remaining surplus from prior lettings that should cover the extra cost without a 2025 budget impact. - An HMA (hot-mix asphalt) resurfacing project is scheduled to start in late June (APAC contracted) covering Northwest Twelfth, South Ridge and West Dutch for about 19.59 miles.

Staff flagged recent storm damage: crews responded to downed trees and several power poles after high winds the previous night, with reported locations in the north and southwest parts of the county. Commissioners discussed scheduling an in-person site tour of multiple active projects; staff offered several potential dates in June and a Friday this week as possibilities.

The county engineer encouraged commissioners to see the projects in the field to better understand construction conditions and timelines. No formal votes were required on these status items during the meeting.