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Committee outlines multi-year plan for bridge replacements; Eagle Road targeted for ARIP application
Summary
County staff said an engineer is preparing a replacement estimate for the Eagle Road crossing ahead of an ARIP application (due Dec. 15), and outlined a 2027–2030 design-to-replacement timeline for several timber bridges requiring replacement or reconditioning.
Speaker 1 raised concerns about the Eagle Road bridge and asked whether a culvert is possible. Speaker 2 said a culvert is “very unlikely” because DNR permits and span/abutment excavation would push the structure over 20 feet, making it a bridge replacement candidate. Speaker 2 said they met with an engineer to get a rough estimate needed for an ARIP funding application and expects the estimate in time for the application deadline.
Speaker 2 also reported that four county structures are reduced or closed due to condition: one closed in McCann’s area, two posted at five tons in Newton, and one posted at 20 tons at Crystal Lake. Speaker 2 said closed structures will be assigned priority 1 for ARIP replacement consideration and that the local bridge application submitted to DOT this cycle should be competitive because of timber deterioration.
On timing, Speaker 2 described inspection cadence and a projected schedule: design work potentially in 2027 with replacement possible in 2030, and warned that permitting (DNR, Army Corps) and wetland crossings could extend timelines by years. Speaker 2 said they had sent DNR an email seeking a site review and that DNR had not yet replied in the meeting record.
No formal commitment of funding beyond application submission was recorded; staff framed the discussion as planning and prioritization for ARIP and DOT bridge programs. The committee did not take a formal vote on bridge-specific actions during this meeting.
