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Jackson County temporarily closes Morehead Bridge, removes weight postings on three repaired spans
Summary
The board approved a resolution to close Morehead Bridge while engineers seek repair options and approved removing 15-ton and other postings from three bridges that were replaced this year.
Jackson County supervisors voted Tuesday to formally close Morehead Bridge on 74th Street while the county gathers repair plans and cost estimates and pursues grant funding, and they removed weight restrictions on three bridges replaced last year.
The board approved Resolution 109301142025 to close Morehead Bridge until repairs or other measures safely restore traffic. County engineer Jaden Shekel told the board the county is working with an inspection consultant and potential bridge contractors so “they wanted to make sure it would full slate,” and that consultants must determine whether they could certify a repair and accept liability. Shekel said he submitted the bridge for county bridge construction funds and expected to know by the end of March whether the county receives an award.
Shekel said the county will collect two estimates: one for plans and specifications from the inspection consultant and one for contractor repair costs, then combine the figures to decide a path forward. He said the county’s near-term goal is to determine “what it is gonna take to open the bridge back to its 15‑ton weight posting limit.” The supervisors unanimously approved the closure resolution.
Separately, the board approved Resolution 1094‑01‑14‑2025 to remove weight postings on three bridges that were replaced and no longer require posted limits: the span on 200th Street at 24th Street in Butler Township; the span on 136th Street in Farmers Creek Township; and the span on 184th Avenue in South Fork Township. County staff said those three bridges were replaced this year and no longer need posting. The board asked for a current report on posted bridges and repair activity to track progress.
Engineer's office staff also described routine work—clearing brush, replacing deck planks and localized repairs—to remove postings where feasible and to prioritize replacements where repair is not possible. Supervisors asked that the county prepare clear standard drawings showing driveway low points and drainage details on new entrances to prevent road drainage problems when new work is permitted.
The board took the actions by unanimous voice vote.
The county will return to the board with cost estimates and grant results before deciding whether to pursue full repair, rehabilitation to a 15‑ton limit, or replacement for Morehead Bridge. The county engineer said grant award notification is expected by the end of March.
