Adams County commissioners approved two transportation contracts Wednesday: an HSIP construction inspection/engineering contract and a separate coating project for Bridge 58.

Nate, the county engineer, recommended an agreement with American Structurepoint for construction inspection and engineering services for the county’s bridge guardrail work, stating the contract is hourly not to exceed $143,008.38 and that the phase is roughly 90% reimbursable under the federal grant. Commissioners approved signature on the contract so engineering services can be in place when construction begins.

Nate also presented three quotes for applying a polyurea coating to exposed steel pilings on Bridge 58 and recommended the low bid from Milestone Contractors LP of Fort Wayne for $86,913.30. He described the work as a test case to assess durability versus conventional painting; commissioners approved the Milestone quote and authorized the county to issue a notice to proceed when weather permits in the spring.

The county discussed expected lifecycle benefits of a thicker polyurea coating compared with conventional paint and the need to monitor field application and inspect performance over time. Commissioners said the HSIP contract will not trigger construction until the contractor schedule and federal reimbursement steps are in place.