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Council awards design contract for Minnesota River Bridge slope and scour stabilization
Summary
Council approved a professional-services contract with Winseth (Winseth Incorporated) to prepare plans and specifications to stabilize scour and stream-bank erosion at Bridge No. 08520; staff recommended rapid work to avoid future weight restrictions and said state-aid funds will pay the city share.
The New Ulm City Council authorized a professional-services contract to prepare slope and scour stabilization plans for Bridge Number 08520 (Minnesota River Bridge, South Street) after an underwater inspection found significant scour around the downstream footing of Pier 1 and stream-bank erosion at the east abutment.
City staff and the county engineer recommended entering a design contract with Winseth Incorporated (engineer of record on prior bridge maintenance projects) to deliver plans, specifications and bidding services. The contract amount approved by motion was $45,696.
Why it matters: staff said the underwater inspection (completed January 31, 2025) found scour below a critical elevation that triggers more frequent inspections; staff warned that delaying stabilization could lead to increased scour and the potential imposition of weight restrictions on the crossing. Nicollet County and the city share project costs on a 50/50 basis and staff said the project is eligible to use state-aid funds. The city reported approximately $1.9 million available in state-aid funding to cover construction costs without affecting 2025 bonding plans.
Staff indicated the intent to complete plans and specifications in the near term with construction targeted for fall 2025. Council approved the award by voice vote; the motion carried.
The city will follow up with a written construction-cost-share agreement with Nicollet County and proceed to bidding once design work is complete.
