Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridge Inspection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
United Consulting presents 2024 bridge inspection report; county staff outline Bridge 107 schedule and consultant
Summary
United Consulting summarized the county's 2024 bridge inspection findings covering 157 bridges and noted Federal Highway Administration reimbursed 80% of inspection costs. County staff provided an update on Bridge 107 design and the consultant Burgess & Niple, with construction currently scheduled for 2030 under the INDOT federal-aid process.
United Consulting presented Morgan County's 2024 bridge inspection report, summarizing findings from phase two of the firm's inspections and offering a prioritized schedule for rehabilitation, repair and replacement across the county's inventory of 157 bridges.
Kyle Kent of United Consulting told commissioners the contract covers a four-year inspection period that began in August 2022 and that the Federal Highway Administration reimbursed the county for 80% of the inspection contract cost. Kent said the report includes maintenance lists, posting lists for load restrictions, and a priority schedule identifying which bridges could be rehabilitated, replaced or repaired in the future. "These federal aid contracts are really great for tackling the large high cost structures, but they're slightly less optimal for smaller crossings or bridges with lower traffic volumes," Kent said, noting smaller bridges often score lower for federal funding and suggesting a Community Crossings matching grant could be appropriate for bundling smaller projects.
Kent also highlighted county metrics included in the packet, saying Morgan County performs better than the state average on multiple inspection metrics and noting the county's average bridge age and an estimated replacement rate (about two bridges per year for an inventory this size) to maintain a 75-year lifecycle.
Separately, Justin Schneck updated the commissioners on Bridge 107. The county executed a contract with Burgess & Niple after applying for INDOT funding; staff received notice to proceed in late November 2024 and the consultant has begun survey and office-based utility coordination. Ed Spar of Burgess & Niple introduced himself to the commissioners and said his firm looks forward to working on the replacement. Schneck said the project is currently scheduled for a 2030 construction timeline through the INDOT federal-aid process and that survey work is resuming after winter delays.
Why it matters: The inspection report informs maintenance priorities and funding strategy. The Bridge 107 update clarifies the project schedule and consultant team for a major future construction project.
