Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridges Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and highway staff warn Bridge 39 is deteriorating as heavy truck traffic increases
Summary
Public comment and highway staff flagged structural problems at Bridge 39, citing sandstone loss and skid marks; county staff said repair bids are being solicited and warned a state critical finding could allow closure within 30 days if not addressed.
Public comment at the Warren County meeting focused on safety concerns for Bridge 39 and nearby local roads as silage and other heavy trucks increase seasonal traffic.
During the highway report, highway staff (speaker 5) told commissioners that sandstone under the bridge approaches is deteriorating and that the east side is beginning to come apart. Staff said a state inspection could issue a 'critical finding' that allows the state to close the bridge in 30 days unless repair measures are taken. "When he does that, they can close the bridge in 30 days," highway staff said while discussing the need to get repair bids.
Resident Lynn Martin, speaking during public comment, said she was concerned about safety and reported significant heavy‑truck use: "...the silage trucks are using it... we're getting 2 to 300" (estimated) and said she had observed skid marks and visible damage at the site. Commissioners and staff discussed that at least one repair quote had been solicited (discussed in the meeting as approximately $175,000) and that staff would continue to seek bids and provide updates. Commissioners reiterated that emergency exceptions in purchasing policy could apply if urgent repairs are necessary.
No formal emergency closure or repair contract was executed at the meeting; staff said they are soliciting bids, will secure proof of condition for state reporting if required, and will bring formal repair recommendations back to the board when available.
