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Engineer reports bridge replacements and staffing shortfalls for Geneva County roads department
Summary
County Engineer Justin Barfield reported recruitment difficulties for motor-grader operators, a pre-construction conference for FEMA bridge replacements with crews already mobilized, and a contractor-requested delay for Rebuild Alabama paving work until early 2026.
Geneva County’s engineering office briefed the commission on staffing and ongoing infrastructure projects during the Nov. 24 meeting.
County Engineer Justin Barfield said Road & Bridge is advertising multiple openings — an EOI position, a foreman and a motor-grader operator — and that while the grader position drew many applicants, none were qualified. Barfield said the county is coordinating with Enterprise State College to develop a motor-grader operator certification course to expand the local candidate pool.
Barfield reported a pre-construction conference for the FEMA-funded bridge replacement project was held and that contractor crews began removing old bridges on Caldwell Road and Line Road; Three Notch has an inspector on site and one remaining tract remains to be acquired. He also said the Rebuild Alabama paving contractor has asked to delay the start until early 2026; all prep work and patching have been completed.
Barfield noted the prospective buyer of the county landfill deposited $25,000 in escrow and the county ordered a title commitment. He also said he has reached out to ALDOT about installing historical signage for Finks Mill on County Road 153 pending criteria and landowner assistance.
Next steps: Engineer Barfield will continue acquisition work for remaining tracts, coordinate the paving schedule with the contractor, and pursue training partners for motor-grader certification.
