The Lucas County Board of Commissioners approved the county engineer’s six-year capital improvement program Jan. 7, a plan of projects totaling $71,800,000 across road, bridge and stormwater work over the next six years. Commissioners also accepted the required 2024 bridge inspection report and awarded several construction contracts for 2025 projects.

County Engineer Mike Panuski presented the CIP and supporting items. He told commissioners the county’s highway system mileage certification for 2024 was 252.605 miles and noted the average age of the county’s bridges is about 50 years; 15 bridges were rated fair or poor and likely need work in the next five to 10 years, up from 10 such bridges in 2024.

Contract awards approved by the board included:
- A $1,148,000 contract to Gherkin Paving for the 2025 thin overlay project (lowest of two bidders).
- A $1,076,000 contract to Vernon Nagel of Napoleon, Ohio for the Summit Street and Shoreland Avenue roundabout project (lowest of five bidders).
- A $241,000 contract to Vernon Nagel for the Montclover Road bridge repair (only bidder reported).
- An $848,000 contract to Get Us Paving & Excavating for the Frankfort and Christy Road roundabout intersection project (lowest of five bidders).

The board also approved a recommended 2.5% increase to the county engineer’s schedule of fees based on the consumer price index, a $15,000 memorandum of understanding with Team NCOG for a stormwater public-education campaign, and a two-year Trimble Unity (Cityworks) services order at $171,000 per year shared among county departments.

Commissioner Anita Lopez made the motion to approve items 8 through 22; the clerk recorded unanimous votes of yes from Commissioners Lisa Cibecchi, Pete Gerken and Anita Lopez.

Why it matters: The CIP and contract awards represent the county’s near-term commitment to road, bridge and stormwater work and lock in contractors for specific 2025 projects. Engineer Panuski emphasized that bridge needs are increasing as the county’s stock ages, and the CIP is intended to sequence repairs and replacements over the coming years.

Ending: Staff will proceed with contract execution and the planned outreach/meetings with townships in March required by the county engineer’s office. The board recorded the approvals by roll call and moved to other agenda items.