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County engineers to seek bids for reinforced concrete box culverts after Independence/Seeker Road collapse
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Summary
Washington County authorized its engineering department to seek bids for a three‑barrel system of 7x8 reinforced concrete box culverts to replace damaged corrugated arch pipes after a 2025 flood; staff estimated culvert units at roughly $170,000 and proposed in‑house installation to save costs.
Washington County Commissioners Court on Jan. 13 authorized the engineering and development services department to solicit bids for reinforced concrete box culverts to repair drainage infrastructure on Old Independence/Seeker Road damaged during a 2025 flooding event.
County engineer Mister Stokes told the court the existing corrugated metal arch pipes—one roughly 8 by 12.5 feet and a second about 7 by 10.5 feet—had experienced a significant blowout during the 2025 event. Stokes said the county evaluated corrugated metal pipes, arch pipes, box culverts and a bridge option and recommends a three‑barrel system of 7‑by‑8‑foot reinforced concrete box culverts to increase capacity and long‑term lifespan while retaining feasibility for in‑house installation.
"With 7 by 8 box culverts in a 3‑barrel system, they also increase the capacity that's currently in place," Stokes said, and added the chosen size allows use of County equipment rather than requiring a mobile crane. He said preliminary estimates for the culvert units are approximately $170,000 based on vendor quotes and local pricing; he emphasized in‑house installation would significantly reduce total cost compared with bringing external heavy equipment.
The court authorized advertisement immediately, with bids due Jan. 29 and a bid opening at 10 a.m.; staff will bring a recommendation to the court on Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. A motion to authorize the solicitation passed by voice vote.
