County weighs options as bridges and culverts show age: $200,000 box culvert vs. $50,000 tank‑car alternative
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Summary
Staff reported a washed‑out low‑traffic road on Pinehill (176) where modern box culverts would cost about $200,000; staff proposed reusing two railroad tank cars (approx. $13,500 each) with concrete infill as a roughly $50,000 alternative. Separately, an inspection at Happy Hollow may lead to a 3‑ton restriction on that bridge.
County staff outlined multiple bridge and culvert concerns across the county and presented a lower‑cost alternative for a washed‑out dirt road on Pinehill.
Speaker 2 said a modern box culvert sized to current standards would cost roughly $200,000 for the Pinehill location, which serves very little traffic. As an alternative, staff proposed using two 9‑foot‑diameter railroad tank cars (about $13,500 each) placed side by side, tied with rebar, and the gap filled with concrete. Staff estimated the tank‑car solution — including crane rental (quoted at about $3,000) and concrete — would be about $50,000 and provide a long‑term fix for the washed‑out crossing.
Speaker 2 also warned that bridges over 20 feet are listed on the National Bridge Inventory and require annual inspection; he said the pending Happy Hollow report could result in a 3‑ton restriction that would force the county to consider physical controls to prevent truck access.
No formal procurement decision was made. Staff said they would investigate the tank‑car option further, refine cost estimates for budget planning, and report back to the commission with more detailed figures and any necessary environmental or permitting considerations.
