County plans March bridge work and pursues major grant; Beaverdale Road design contract approved

County secondary‑roads staff told supervisors that two bridges awarded to a contractor are expected to close for work in early March, and the board approved a preliminary design contract so the county can be included in a larger state grant application.

Why it matters: the closures will require local detours and coordination with Burlington Northern on a crossing; the design contract enables Des Moines County to join a bundled state/federal bridge grant that could fund a large portion of construction costs if awarded.

What staff reported

Brian (county engineer, first name only in transcript) and Bridal Carter of secondary roads said the contractor for two summer bridge projects has crews and equipment ready and expects to begin work in early March. One bridge is on Danville Road north of Danville; the other is on North Gear (a crossing that drivers have long found rough). Staff said they will mail letters to nearby homeowners, run a preconstruction meeting and coordinate with Burlington Northern to avoid stopped trains blocking the work.

The board also approved a $27,670 preliminary design contract for a Beaverdale Road bridge that covers preliminary structural design and environmental studies (wetlands, bats, historic resources). Staff said final design will be a separate contract and estimated the county’s portion of initial design work at roughly $7,000, with the potential to leverage 60–80% of construction funding if the larger bundled grant succeeds. Staff cautioned federal‑aid projects can take 12–18 months from start to bid.

Ending: County staff will send preconstruction notices for the March closures, complete preliminary design work and move forward with the grant application process in coordination with regional partners.