County engineer asks council for $650,000 to rehab Bridge No. 78

County engineer Lee Bob Leffert told the Dubois County Council he is seeking an initial appropriation of $650,000 from the cumulative bridge fund to perform major rehabilitation on Bridge No. 78 on 600 West over the Topeka River.

Leffert said the 222‑foot structure was built in 1969 and has had “little to no rehab work” during its 56 years. He described the planned work as a rigid deck overlay, hydro‑demolition, conversion of some elements and other repairs intended to extend the bridge’s life. Leffert said the plans and contract documents are about 95% complete and that staff hopes to advertise the project for bidding in December or January, award it in February and start construction in March, with an expected two‑to‑three‑month work window.

“This is one of our largest bridges in the county,” Leffert said, explaining that rehabilitation is far less costly than full replacement. He warned the work will require a full closure and that staff will try to minimize travel impacts.

Council members did not request further information before moving and approving the appropriation by voice vote. The council’s approval authorizes county staff to proceed with advertising and procurement steps necessary to bid the job; specific contractor selection and a formal award are planned for a later meeting.

The council did not record individual roll‑call vote totals in the transcript; the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote as it was read on the floor. The county engineer provided the technical timeline (advertise in December/January, award in February, work March–summer 2026).