County awards $350,000 contract to study and design repairs to remove bridge load restrictions

The Marion County Board of Commissioners on April 16 approved a $350,000 on-call engineering contract with David Evans and Associates to perform load-rating analyses and design minor structural repair work on county bridges through March 31, 2028.

Public Works engineer Ryan Crother told the board that an Oregon Department of Transportation load-rating update in 2021 used a conservative methodology that left many county bridges subject to reduced load limits. Marion County has already refined 11 load ratings after a focused study and expects to refine 10 to 15 ratings per year under the new contract, prioritizing the most critical bridges. The consultant will provide analysis and quick design solutions so the county's bridge crew can perform repairs without separate procurement for each site.

Crother said the contract will allow staff to design relatively minor reinforcements (for example, strengthening or replacing a single member) so bridges can safely carry agricultural, commercial and emergency traffic. "By doing this, we bring one consultant on who can learn our process," he said. Commissioners noted the approach is intended to reduce long-term costs and address a backlog of load-rated bridges that limited traffic and commerce.

The board voted to approve the David Evans contract; the motion passed by voice vote. The contract term is three years and the not-to-exceed amount is $350,000, to be used as work orders are issued to the consultant.