Council approves $76,340 bridge repair after inspection finds fire damage

The Lamar City Council on March 17 approved plans and an estimated $76,340.25 to repair fire damage to the 24th Street Southwest Bridge, adopting resolution 26-8 after a staff presentation and inspection summary from Shimmer Associates, Inc.

City staff opened a public hearing on the project and read Shimmer Associates’ inspection findings that identified visible fire damage at the south end of the neoprene troughs and indicated heat likely affected nearby north components. Shimmer Associates recommended replacing the entire length of the neoprene system to extend maintenance intervals.

A staff summary to the council noted that replacing only the neoprene troughs would raise the cost by approximately $13,000 compared with a program that limited repair scope; staff also advised that cleaning the troughs would require more than power‑washing and raised coordination risks if multiple contractors were used on the same work. The project estimate is to be funded from the road‑use tax.

Council discussion included members who inspected the structure and said some neoprene sections were brittle and in pieces, and others who questioned whether targeted replacement might be sufficient. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After discussion, the council moved, seconded and approved resolution 26-8 by roll call.

The council packet notes that Shimmer Associates has monitored the structure since the Feb. 12, 2022 fire and recommended the repair based on age and observed damage. The resolution authorizes proceeding with the plans, specifications, form of contract, and the stated estimate of cost. The council did not specify a construction start date in the hearing; staff indicated the work would be contracted in accordance with the approved plans and funding source.