County awards $838,711.72 contract for 360 Second Avenue bridge; Morehead repair plans discussed after grant denial

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors on June 3 voted to award the 360 Second Avenue bridge replacement contract to Jim Schrader Construction for $838,711.72 under Resolution No. 1120.

Jackson County staff said the project was let through the Department of Transportation on May 20, drew three bidders, and the low bid was substantially below the county’s estimate. “For reference, our estimate was 913,000 for that bridge, and the low bid was ... $838,711.72,” said Jaden Flagle, a county staff member who presented the item.

The contract includes flexibility for a delayed start; because the bridge was once considered eligible as historic, the letting was pushed later, and construction now may begin next spring rather than this calendar year. County staff said the contract specifies 80 working days to complete the work once started, but because of timing and the approach of winter the likely schedule is to begin construction in the spring.

Supervisors also heard that the county’s application for County Bridge Construction Fund assistance for the Morehead Bridge was unsuccessful. Staff said the Morehead project missed funding by a few points and that the department is planning design work and evaluating a targeted repair to allow weight‑restricted traffic to continue while awaiting possible future grant awards.

County staff noted a related timing concern: the Channelworth Bridge, located just north on 80 Second Avenue, is scheduled for demolition in November with construction beginning this winter; having two nearby closures at once would create a larger access problem, so staff said they are investigating interim repairs for Morehead.

A motion to approve Resolution No. 1120 awarding the contract to Jim Schrader Construction carried unanimously.