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Walsh County moves ahead with multiple bridge projects; DOT‑funded Minto project awarded with recommendation despite contractor bid error
Summary
Commissioners approved notices of award and signatures for several county bridge and chip‑seal projects, and approved moving forward with a DOT‑funded Minto bridge project after DOT recommended awarding to a low bidder despite a later-identified mathematical error in the bid.
Walsh County commissioners on May 6 approved contractor awards and authorizations for multiple road and bridge projects, and accepted the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s recommendation to award a DOT‑funded Minto bridge project despite a contractor’s post‑bid mathematical error.
Public works staff reported progress on the Hankey Bridge (deck scheduled for pouring the following Thursday) and said two recent bids came in well under county estimates — a positive sign that contractors remain competitive. Commissioners approved award documents and signatures to proceed with the Swanson Bridge replacement and chip seal work on county roads 09 and 12, following a motion, second and roll‑call vote.
The board also considered the DOT bid package BRJ0050061 (Minto bridge removal/replacement). DOT is providing the funding for that project, and after the bid opening DOT staff recommended awarding the contract even though the apparent low bidder notified DOT of a subsequent mathematical error in its bid. DOT advised the county to proceed with award; commissioners voted to follow that recommendation and authorize signatures to complete the award documents. County staff noted that if a contractor declines to sign, the county would pursue the bid bond or rebid, per DOT guidance.
Commissioners also approved several branch/drain permits, discussed long‑term bridge inspection and prioritization needs, and authorized dedicating a county bridge on County Road 12 near Park River to local citizen Dan Stendels — a naming motion the board approved unanimously.
Public works staff said county bridge inventory and inspection data guide priorities but noted that some replacements are driven by federal funding availability and environmental clearances. Staff agreed to produce a map and strategic list of high‑priority bridges for future planning and public information.
