Commissioners discuss cost‑share, detour use and pavement options for Highway/County road project

Brown County commissioners discussed a planned roadway project that could affect a county route (referred to in discussion as 270) and explored options for cost sharing, detour routing and pavement approaches.

Commissioners said they have been in contact with a state representative, identified in the meeting as Michael Hickenman (the transcript also renders the name as Hageman in places), who was asked to provide details about detour allowances and potential reimbursement if the county allows the state to use local roads during construction. County staff reported an email exchange about the detour and possible reimbursements.

The board discussed whether temporary detours would require a temporary bridge or whether the state could reimburse the county to upgrade the road surface instead. Commissioners described a range of cost estimates discussed during the meeting: a reclamation component (figures discussed on the record referenced amounts in the low thousands), an overlay or asphalt option that was notably more expensive (figures discussed included approximately $45,000 in one exchange), and smaller unit‑price questions raised by the county engineer. Commissioners and staff emphasized the goal of achieving a smooth transition at intersections — avoiding multiple step‑ups from gravel to chip seal to asphalt — and considered combining reclamation and overlay to create a consistent surface.

Commissioners agreed to wait for more detailed cost and scope information from the state contact and the county road foreman before taking action. Staff and commissioners indicated they will review the state's proposals and related engineer estimates at next week’s meeting.