County OKs $307,032 budget and bid solicitation for culvert replacement serving small Lake Javarro subdivision

The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners approved a $307,032 project budget and authorized staff to solicit construction bids to replace a failed culvert on Southeast 30 Seventh Street over the West Branch of Whetstone Creek. Public Works Director Courtney House told the board the existing metal culvert has rusted and the embankment is failing; the county plans to install a concrete box culvert and relocate the opening about 15 feet east to allow phased construction while maintaining one‑lane traffic for residents.

House said the location provides the only access for a small neighborhood on the east side of the county reservoir, and that bridge maintenance crews had stabilized the site to avoid an emergency closure. The county expects to advertise bids on April 14 with construction to begin no sooner than May 5. Funding for construction will come from the Public Works special bridge fund.

Motion to approve the project budget and solicit bids was made by Commissioner Rippon, seconded by Commissioner Meade; vote recorded 2 to 0.

House said the preferred solution is a concrete box culvert because it will provide a longer useful life than the existing metal pipe. Because the road cannot be closed — it is the subdivision’s only access — crews will work in phases, shifting traffic and constructing one side at a time. House also noted there are relatively few houses served by the crossing and described the plan as designed to preserve access while replacing the failed structure.