Repeated collisions damage Olson Bridge; county weighs camera monitoring and repairs

County public-works staff told commissioners the Olson Bridge has been struck repeatedly by farm and construction equipment; staff said the bridge guardrail system has been damaged four times in the past 17 months.

Jason (public‑works staff) reported the most recent incident was the fourth time in 17 months that a vehicle had damaged the bridge guardrail. He told the commission the county has repeatedly repaired guardrail and deck components and that some repairs—depending on the bridge and substructure—could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Jason estimated one recent repair bill for the county’s portion at roughly $67,000 and said another related project (dip/culvert work) would likely total in the $20,000–$30,000 range for the county’s share.

Commissioners discussed several responses: increased public outreach urging drivers to report damage and to remain on scene and use insurance, the possibility of installing cameras at problem bridges to capture evidence, and engineering options including replacing some small bridges with culverts where hydraulics allow. Commissioners and staff noted tradeoffs: camera networks are costly across many bridge sites; culvert replacements may not be possible at sites with high flow or steep grades like Olson Bridge; and public enforcement is limited unless drivers remain at the scene.

A commissioner said the repeated damage has grown “awful sickening” and urged honesty from operators involved in collisions. Staff said the county will continue repairs as necessary, pursue insurance claims when responsible parties report incidents, and seek contractor availability urgently for scheduled bridge replacement projects already in the pipeline.

No immediate policy vote was taken; staff will pursue repairs, pursue insurance claims when possible, and continue to evaluate surveillance and engineering options.