Madison County staff: Weisenberger Road bridge environmental work, design to continue through 2029

County staff reported that work on the Weisenberger Road bridge project is continuing and remains on schedule, with an environmental assessment (EA) due in June 2026, conceptual design complete by September 2027 and a planned bid, advertising and award of the construction contract in March 2029.

The update said a field survey is complete, a hydraulic survey is ongoing to support the bridge and flood-plain analysis, and the EA currently includes delineation and a Phase I study. Staff said the hydrologic and hydraulic study of Bear Creek will determine required bridge length, height and alignment and that the NEPA process will require considering alternative alignments.

The project will require right-of-way acquisitions affecting 12 parcels; staff reported the right-of-way schedule targets completion in January 2028. Officials also noted substantial utility relocations are expected and that the county must coordinate with FEMA and the Canadian National railroad as the project proceeds.

Staff described the near-term work plan: finish the hydraulic survey for the flood plain and bridge analysis, continue environmental data collection and alternative alignment analysis, complete conceptual alignment and grading, and maintain coordination with the railroad and utility owners. No formal vote or decision was recorded during the update.

County staff said schedule constraints stem from the need to resolve utility impacts and third-party coordination; the next formal milestones are the EA completion in June 2026 and the design completion in September 2027.