Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridge Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Madison County approves closure of deteriorated Maxburg‑area bridge; replacement could cost about $500,000
Summary
After staff presented photos and engineering observations showing pile decay, the board approved a resolution to close a structurally unsafe bridge near North Maxburg. Staff estimated repair at about $250,000 with a short remaining life and replacement around $500,000; funding and permitting could take years.
Madison County supervisors voted to close a structurally failing bridge near North Maxburg after a presentation from the county’s secondary roads department that documented significant timber pile decay and unsafe conditions.
Mike, the county’s secondary roads department head, told the board the existing structure — a concrete slab constructed in 1957 with timber abutments — shows pile deterioration that makes it unsafe for traffic. "It’s unsafe for traffic due to the pile decay," he said, and estimated that a repair would cost roughly $250,000 and likely yield only about five more years of service. He recommended replacement, which he said would be engineered for a 100‑year life cycle at an estimated cost of about $500,000.
The presentation noted the bridge is part of the county’s Farm‑to‑Market system and that the Federal Highway Administration generally does not list single‑span structures under 20 feet on the National Bridge Inventory; the county inspects 28 such short‑span structures itself. Mike told supervisors the Farm‑to‑Market account (funded by gas tax, registrations and excise taxes) provides about $1,000,000 a year but the county faces a projected shortfall of about $350,000 through a January 2025 letting, limiting near‑term options.
Board members asked about alternatives, including installing culverts. Mike cautioned that culverts can reduce hydraulic capacity, increase overtopping, and clog with debris — but he said culverts may be viable in some locations if the design accommodates flow and debris risks. He also said a practical repair in this case would be difficult because of the way the bridge is built.
On motion by Supervisor Diane with a second from Heather, the board adopted a resolution formally approving the bridge closure. The board also instructed staff to pursue a preliminary field survey, prepare a preliminary design solution, and list the project in the county’s five‑year program so it would be ready should funding become available. Mike told the board the environmental review and permitting process for a funded replacement could take about 4 to 4 1/2 years.
The board did not commit new funding at the meeting; Mike and board members discussed pursuing state and congressional funds and noted some state money has been received for other bridge projects. The closing resolution was approved by voice vote.
