Sioux County pursues Montrose Bridge replacement, approves federal funding resolutions

Sioux County officials continued work in 2016 to advance replacement of the Montrose Bridge and related safety signage.

Road Superintendent Gary Thayer briefed the board on soil testing and LPA program agreements with the Nebraska Department of Roads; the board passed Resolution 2016-1 to pursue federal funds for the bridge project and Resolution 2016-2 to approve the HHR 90 signage project (motions recorded in Feb. 2016). The motions passed unanimously on roll call votes.

Throughout the year the board reviewed scoping documents and grant paperwork. On Dec. 1, Jeff Jerome and Kim Earnie of the regional engineering/Forest Service teams updated commissioners on a narrowed scope and preliminary project cost estimate of approximately $1,236,000. County staff discussed possible in-kind materials and local work to reduce costs; the board directed staff to proceed with grant paperwork and coordination with the Department of Roads.

Why it matters: The Montrose Bridge replacement is a multi-year infrastructure project that will affect local transportation routes, require outside funding and coordination with state and federal agencies, and determine near-term construction and detour planning for county roads.

Board actions recorded included formal resolutions to pursue federal funding and to approve program agreement paperwork required to access STP/HBP funds. The board also considered contractor and installation agreements tied to highway curve signage and object markers required by the Department of Roads.

Next steps: Road staff and legal counsel to finalize grant paperwork, request and document any required deadline extensions, and continue coordination with the Nebraska Department of Roads and funding partners.