County accepts initial designs for three rail-trail bridges, asks engineers to finalize plans

Chad Miller of the Thrasher Group presented the commission with preliminary designs for three rail-trail bridges on Sept. 11, recommending a weathering-steel truss with pressure-treated wood decking, vertical pickets approximately 54 inches high and a 10-foot-wide deck suitable for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Miller said the design aims to avoid in-stream piers where possible, described hydraulic and span challenges for the West Fork crossing (over 100-foot spans), discussed H5 vehicle loadings for emergency access (roughly 10,000 pounds) and said the team is exploring routing options to eliminate one bridge crossing near Route 19. The commissioners asked detailed technical questions about span, load capacity, possible fiber-reinforced alternatives and property acquisition; staff confirmed an existing $1.4 million grant could still be used for the project. The commission agreed the design is on the right track and approved moving forward with final alignment, hydraulic review and preparation of bid documents for later this year.