Adams County commissioners approve emergency repair for short bridge approach, hear updates on bridge projects and right‑of‑way strategy

Adams County highway staff told county commissioners on an item during their regular meeting that work on Bridge 180 is advancing and recommended an emergency repair for a separate short approach that has been causing a bump in traffic.

Nate, a highway department staff member, reported that footer work for Bridge 180 on 650 West and 825 South was completed and that concrete arches were scheduled for delivery on Sept. 16, after which crews will set arches, wing walls and install riprap and other channel protection. "The concrete arches are actually scheduled to be delivered on September 16," Nate said.

Nate also described an ongoing problem with a short bridge approach on a different structure (identified in discussion as a five‑foot approach). Asphalt and debris buildup had caused the approach to cantilever and develop a bump, and last week staff milled asphalt and cut steel that was tying the approach to the deck. After inspection, Nate recommended replacing the approach slab with a wider, thicker slab and asked commissioners to declare the work an emergency so it could be done before winter.

Commissioners approved an emergency repair not to exceed $20,000 with Judy Excavating to replace the approach slab and rebuild the base stone. According to highway staff, the current slab is about 6 inches thick with No. 4 rebar and five feet long; the replacement will be a 10‑foot approach slab, 8 inches thick with No. 5 rebar set on a deeper stone base. Staff estimated the work would require an 8–10 day road closure to remove, pour and cure the concrete. "They could do it. Yes. So it's it we're looking at probably for the closure. We're looking at somewhere between 8 to 10 day closure," Nate said. The transcript shows the motion passed by voice vote; a roll‑call tally was not recorded in the minutes.

Nate told commissioners he received two price quotes: Judy Excavating at $20,000 and Milestone at about $39,000, and asked that the board treat the repair as an emergency to fit the contractor schedule. The motion recorded in the minutes states the repair was approved "not to exceed $20,000 with Judy Excavating." The motion text and the vendor name were read into the record during the meeting.

Commissioners also reviewed the highway department's small‑structures program for 2026. Staff provided a list of five culvert/pipe locations that fit within available right‑of‑way and budget projections and described plans to solicit quotes for pipe procurement and installation next year. Nate said larger concrete box culverts can cost nearly $200,000 apiece and that right‑of‑way challenges have constrained which large‑box projects the county can pursue. He described a stepped approach: additional outreach to landowners, replacement of signs and, if necessary, updated load calculations, appraisals and condemnation to acquire right‑of‑way.

On river maintenance, the commissioners approved using up to $5,000 from the commissioners' line item 36‑300 for removal of two log jams: Bridge 162 on 125 East near the Jay County line and Bridge 502 (Jackson Street) on the Saint Mary's River in Decatur. Nate said Loganville removed one log jam recently and had authorization to remove the other. The motion to approve up to $5,000 for log‑jam removal passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded.

Staff also updated the board on grant and federally funded work: preparations for Community Crossings grant applications (a call will open in October), three qualification statements received for a guardrail inspection and for design work on Bridge 93, and two federalized projects in process. Nate noted that Community Crossings funding has been reduced from previous rounds, which will make project selection more competitive.

Commissioners and staff discussed the county's general bridge inventory — about 163 bridges and roughly 350 small structures (20 feet or less) — and noted that Adams County historically has ranked highly in statewide bridge condition ratings, with two county bridges currently rated poor but scheduled for replacement with federal funds. Staff emphasized the need to be proactive on right‑of‑way acquisition to avoid recurring load postings and closures for school buses and other traffic.

Ending: Commissioners and highway staff said they will continue to pursue grant funding, coordinate right‑of‑way outreach and schedule the emergency repair to occur before winter. Staff indicated they will return to the board with updates and any required bid or contract paperwork.