Henry County closes three roads after small-structure inspections; engineer says 230 structures to be surveyed

Henry County officials told the Board of Commissioners at the March 12 meeting that three county roads are closed indefinitely after small-structure inspections revealed deteriorated concrete culverts.

The county engineer (presenting to the board) said 850 East (just south of State Road 38) was closed last week and two more — 700 North outside Honey Creek (between 525 West and 500 West) and 850 West between 575 North and 700 North — were closed the morning of the meeting. “Those 3 roads will be closed indefinitely until we figure out how we're going to get these structures replaced. Inspection is still ongoing,” the engineer said.

The engineer said the first phase of inspections should be complete by the end of the month and estimated the county has about 230 small structures to inspect total. A priority list of 55 structures was given to inspectors first; the three closed structures were already on that priority list. The board discussed that one east-end structure will become critical in September because of a school-bus turning problem.

Commissioners said the county lacks immediate funds to replace all failing structures and that roads may remain closed until replacements or repairs can be funded. One commissioner suggested bonding as a possible solution but noted state-level changes could affect the county’s ability to issue bonds. The engineer said the closed structures are concrete and recognized the closures could affect school-bus routes.

Ending: The board said it will continue inspections and prioritize replacements; further closures are possible pending inspection results and funding availability.