Brown County hears bridge inspection findings, approves preservation grant application for Bridge 182

County staff presented an annual bridge inspection update and the commission voted to pursue a preservation grant for Bridge 182.

Chelsea Sheridan and other inspectors told the commission that Brown County has 134 structures in its inventory and inspects bridges on a multi‑year cycle. The Federal Highway Administration is shifting the performance metric from a 0–100 sufficiency rating to an overall structure rating on a 0–10 scale, which staff said generally yields scores in the 3–8 range for county structures. "Fair doesn't mean it's close to failure," one presenter said, describing the new scale as better reflecting actual structural condition.

Inspectors said 59 structures were inspected this year. Of the structures discussed, about 30% scored 7 or higher, roughly 54% (about 30 bridges) scored in the 'fair' range (5–6), and nine bridges (around 16%) were categorized as 'poor' (4 or lower). Staff noted a timber substructure on one bridge made the structure ineligible for some funding because the timber components were the lowest‑scoring element.

Staff recommended applying for a deck preservation grant for Bridge 182 to improve ride quality and slow deterioration even though the work would not materially change structural carrying capacity. The project total was stated as $392,183, with a 20% local match of about $78,004.36. After discussion, a motion to authorize the chairman to sign the preservation grant application was made and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners also discussed the county’s “big score” eligibility for statewide bridge funding and emphasized the need to submit applications to ensure local needs are visible to state decision makers. The county will proceed with the grant application and follow up on the paperwork as indicated.