Nicollet County approves 50/50 bridge maintenance agreement with New Ulm after underwater inspection

Nicollet County commissioners on June 24 approved a bridge maintenance agreement with the city of New Ulm for Bridge No. 8520 (Casa 37/Twentieth Street South/South Street Bridge) over the Minnesota River after an underwater inspection identified significant erosion around piers.

Public Works staff told the board Collins Engineers conducted an underwater inspection in November 2024 that found erosion around piers 1 and 2 and additional bank erosion along the west embankment. The county and city have negotiated an agreement that makes the city the lead agency: the city will hire a bridge engineering consultant, develop plans, specifications, cost estimates and permits, oversee bidding and award construction, and close out the project. The county may provide construction inspection services if staffing allows.

Staff said construction is anticipated this fall and that the city and county will split project costs 50/50, with the county using its state aid regular construction account for its share.

Commissioners asked how the underwater inspection was done; Public Works staff explained that the inspection requires divers and that Collins Engineers performed the work under MnDOT’s underwater bridge inspection contract. Staff said inspection cycles had been moved up because of last year’s major flooding and that a special inspection plan exists for the bridge.

Ending: The board approved the agreement by motion and voice vote. The record includes discussion of inspection frequency, contractor roles, and funding source; no dollar amount for the county’s share beyond the 50/50 split was specified on the record.