County receives bridge inspection report, outlines bridge and road projects for 2026

Boone County commissioners received a detailed update on bridge inspections and the highway department’s 2025 accomplishments and 2026 plans, including prioritized bridge rehabs, new inspection requirements and funding sources for upcoming projects.

V S Engineering presented results of the fall 2025 inspection cycle covering the county’s inventory of 196 county-owned bridges and noted that changes in a new coding guide led to many condition ratings improving by roughly one grade. The firm identified a subset of bridges in poorer condition and submitted a priority list for federal funding consideration. The consultant said several recent projects — including a concrete deck replacement on Bridge 44 and full replacements of Bridge 84 and Bridge 163 — have helped reduce the number of structures rated as poor.

The presentation also highlighted federal guidance on scour-critical bridges. V S Engineering said bridges over Sugar Creek, Big Raccoon Creek and Walnut Creek were flagged as moderate risk; if the county records 2.5 inches of rain in 24 hours, the county must perform field checks on those structures. The firm emphasized that ‘‘scour-critical’’ labeling does not necessarily mean a bridge is unsafe but does trigger additional inspections after high rainfall events.

Inspectors described a new interim-inspection requirement for bridges that are closed or under construction: a field verification must confirm proper closures and document the condition for the statewide database. Staff said postings for load limits have declined as a result of recent replacements and that there are currently no closed bridges on the county’s inventory.

County Highway staff presented the department’s annual report, saying the office has expanded preventive maintenance programs including deck sealing (to extend life of concrete bridge decks) and a sign replacement program to improve night-time reflectivity. Staff reported 546 work orders in the year, a continuing effort to coordinate federal, ARPA and bond funding, and several recently awarded federal grants for bridge repair and a planned roundabout project.

Officials discussed timeline and funding for specific projects: a federally funded Bridge 166 project and a roundabout at County Road 300 South and 975 East were recently awarded federal funds (design and survey funding allocated now; construction timing to follow). Staff also outlined consultant contracts being executed to advance Bridge 61 (federally funded; letting July 8, 2026) and Bridge 87 design, and noted planned small-structure replacements and rehabilitations for 2026–2027.

The county also discussed potential traffic impacts tied to large development projects (the transcript references a large site and coordination with the city of Lebanon and a major tech site). Highway staff said they are monitoring right-of-way work and seeking reimbursement from developers where county right-of-way improvements are required.

The presentation closed with staff emphasizing that the county’s maintenance and inspection programs aim to reduce serious traffic injuries and extend the service life of bridges through preventive measures and prioritized replacements. The commissioners voiced appreciation for the work and accepted the report.