KDOT selects county bridge Y-13.7 for off-system program; commissioners authorize Cook, Flatt & Strobel design contract

Chase County learned Sept. 15 that bridge number Y-13.7 on Y Road, south of Glanville and north of Brad Colony, was selected for KDOT's off-system bridge program. County staff asked the commission to approve using special-bridge funds for the county match, to authorize an engineering agreement with Cook, Flatt & Strobel for design, and to complete KDOT paperwork by an Oct. 10 deadline.

The county engineer explained the project has a preliminary maximum funding allowance from KDOT of $1,100,000, and that the design contract with Cook, Flatt & Strobel is for $64,300. Staff noted the timeline: design work now, letting for construction no later than Sept. 30 of 2027, and construction likely in 2027 (with potential billing in 2028). The engineer described the site as a functionally obsolete, undersized bridge on a traveled farm-and-ranch route and said a temporary detour ("shoe fly") will likely be needed during construction because the available alternate route is a minimum-maintenance road.

The commission moved and seconded a motion to sign the agreement with Cook, Flatt & Strobel and to proceed with the KDOT forms; the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The project will replace a structurally or functionally deficient bridge, improve weight capacity for farm and ranch traffic and use a mix of KDOT funding and county special-bridge match dollars.

Next steps: Staff will finalize and submit required KDOT forms by Oct. 10, execute the design contract, and schedule follow-up approvals for construction-phase actions and budget timing.