Engineer recommends corrugated steel pipe for Cabin Creek crossing; county to fund $15,000 survey

Fallon County engineering staff recommended replacing the crossing on the Cabin Creek shortcut with corrugated steel pipe rather than a box culvert or a low-water crossing, citing lower construction cost and reduced permitting complexity.

The presenter outlined three options and approximate construction costs: a box option (about $478,000), corrugated steel pipe (about $334,000) and a low-water crossing (about $368,000). "If you guys are gonna do it yourselves, my recommendation would be to do steel pipe," the presenter said, adding that replacing the pipe would be treated as maintenance and likely not require the same permitting as a new water crossing that could trigger multiple state permits.

Staff also proposed a preliminary survey and limited design package to verify sizes, hydraulic capacity and alignment; the estimated cost for the survey and planning profile was presented as $15,000. Commissioners agreed this would be a reasonable next step and asked staff to prepare drawings and a recommended procurement timeline to present at the next meeting. The engineer said the county would aim to perform construction after spring runoff.

Commissioners also directed staff to inspect a nearby culvert reported in poor condition to determine whether coordinated replacement would be prudent. No final contracting action was taken at the meeting; staff will return with final specs, confirmed costs and permitting guidance.