Walsh County commissioners approve emergency Nash Bridge repair, authorize inspections and buy snow-plow truck

Walsh County commissioners on March 17 approved a $49,700 interim repair to the County 9 (Nash) Bridge, voted to pay state bridge inspection invoices, authorized a $20,000 engineering agreement for chip‑seal work, approved a $6,600 building‑cleaning contract and voted to order one snow‑plow truck for highway operations.

The board heard extensive highway department analysis of the Nash Bridge, which staff said is restricted to 5 tons and shows piling movement beneath the deck. Highway staff recommended a temporary “band‑aid” repair to restore limited use by local traffic and emergency vehicles while design and replacement proceed. Commissioners approved the $49,700 estimate to jack and replace crushed timber elements so farmers and emergency vehicles can continue to cross until the full replacement is scheduled; staff estimated the temporary work could extend the bridge’s service by about seven months.

The board also approved payment of North Dakota Department of Transportation invoices for bridge inspections: $22,006.65 covering 38 bridges and a separate March invoice of $737.73. Commissioners discussed that inspections are a mandated expense and that inspection costs and project bids have risen in recent years. County staff noted some bridge projects remain delayed because federal/state funding is not yet released.

Other actions approved at the meeting included: - A $20,000 engineering agreement with KLJ for chip‑seal project engineering so the county can protect recent pavement investments. - A $6,600 annual cleaning contract for county facilities on a multi‑year rotation. - Authorization to purchase a single new snow‑plow truck (state bid) using highway distribution/legacy funds to replace aging equipment. - Approval to purchase a small parcel of right‑of‑way for a bridge project approach (price noted in staff paperwork as approximately $600.36).

Commissioners cast roll calls for each motion; the chair called each vote and recorded affirmative votes noted on the record. Board discussion emphasized public safety and the trade‑offs of spending limited county highway funds on temporary measures versus long‑term replacement. Highway staff repeatedly warned that continued heavy truck traffic over restricted bridges creates safety risk if temporary measures are not taken.

What the board did not do was authorize full bridge replacements at this meeting; commissioners approved short‑term repairs and contracted work that staff said will keep critical routes passable while designs and external funding advance.

The approved repairs and purchases will be implemented by the Walsh County Highway Department; staff said some items (for example, box culverts and large box forms) remain subject to supplier timelines and federal/state funding schedules.