Ray County authorizes Henrietta Overpass demolition bidding; engineering estimates show high bridge costs

At its April 2 meeting the Ray County Commission amended a March 19 motion to authorize soliciting demolition bids for the Henrietta Overpass Bridge after commissioners were advised the projected cost exceeds the threshold that would allow the county to avoid a competitive bidding process. Commissioner Max Hockemeier made the motion to amend; Commissioner Sheila Tracy seconded. Hockemeier recused himself from the ensuing vote; the amendment carried 2‑0.

On April 29 Great River Engineering updated the commission on several bridge projects. Project Manager Zachary Olivas said Myers Bridge No. 0170012 remains in the design phase, with final plans expected in June or July, after which the project will be opened for contractor bids. Olivas reported an estimated cost for the W 84th Street Bridge project of roughly $625,000, attributing the higher cost largely to a creek channel at the site. The firm also provided an early estimate of about $500,000 for Henrietta Bridge demolition, while noting the final scope of removal still needs to be defined. Great River Engineering said the county could receive soft‑match credit for future BRO (bridge replacement) projects.

The commission’s actions authorize the county to proceed with procurement steps for demolition of the Henrietta structure and continue design and bidding processes for other bridges. The transcript records no contractor selections or schedule commitments beyond the design timeline for Myers Bridge.