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Polk County approves bridge designs, KASAW 61 reconstruction and applies for County State Highway 12 multiuse trail grant
Summary
Polk County approved consultant agreements to design replacement bridges and a KASAW 61 roadway reconstruction and voted to pursue a MnDOT active‑transportation grant for a County State Highway 12 multiuse trail.
Polk County Commissioners approved several public‑works projects and consultant contracts aimed at repairing and upgrading county roads and bridges and advancing a multiuse trail application.
Diesel and operating items: the board awarded the county’s 2025 diesel fuel quote to Fertile Oil (total quoted amount presented at $136,500 across quarters) on a motion and voice vote. Public Works staff told the board the price is roughly $0.27 per gallon less than last year’s quote.
Township reimbursement: the board approved payment to Angus Township for extra blading and gravel work related to the new roundabout construction totaling $21,620 and authorized county staff to issue a check to the township.
Bridge and design work: the county confirmed a structural defect found on a bridge on Kasaw 6 (north of Trunk Highway 2). Staff moved to fast‑track replacement and approved a contract with Woodseth for bridge design services to replace the defective beam and to design another bridge two miles downstream (Chester Township). The board also approved a consultant agreement with Woodseth for the KASAW 61 reconstruction and design that will extend the urban section (curb, gutter, storm sewer, a 10‑foot multiuse path and lighting) west of Crookston and tie into previously designed sections.
Trail grant application: the board adopted Resolution 2024‑84 supporting an application to MnDOT’s Active Transportation program for a multiuse trail along County State Highway 12 from Maple Bay to the Pavilion. The resolution affirms Polk County’s commitment to fund and maintain any project costs beyond the grant award and to coordinate with the Maple Lake Association on maintenance.
Why it matters: safety‑driven bridge replacement, KASAW 61 reconstruction and the trail improve transportation safety and multimodal access. The bridge replacement requires engineering design and potential temporary traffic restrictions; the trail application seeks state funds but requires local matching and maintenance commitments.
Quotes: Commissioner Warren said the bridge replacement will be fast‑tracked after inspection and noted it benefits safety and future connectivity. Rich (Public Works) explained the bridge posting and restriction process and described how the county found the defect through inspection reviews and a subsequent structural analysis.
Next steps: execute engineering contracts with Woodseth, complete design work, prepare for construction scheduling and pursue MnDOT active‑transportation funding should the county receive the grant award. Public Works will return with timelines once designs are complete.
