Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridges topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee leans toward bridge replacement for Tempe crossing after engineer estimates; short-window grant complicates timeline
Summary
Engineers presented three options for the Tempe bridge crossing—repair, larger cover, or full bridge—estimating roughly $820,000 for a new bridge and about $580,000 for a more substantial temporary fix; the committee favored a bridge if economically feasible but stressed sealed plans and formal bids are required before applying for a short-deadline adaptation grant (closes end of May).
The Town of Wayne Infrastructure Committee discussed three engineering options for the Tempe (referred to as Tempy) crossing: replace the existing culvert cover as-is, replace with a larger cover, or build a bridge‑type structure. The committee said it leans toward a bridge, emphasizing a desire to “do it once” rather than repeat repairs.
A retired state bridge engineer who prepared initial options, and a follow-up firm (referred to in the packet), produced budgetary estimates the committee reviewed: approximately $820,000 for a bridge, and roughly $580,000–$600,000 for a more temporary repair. Members noted these figures are estimates and emphasized the grant application will require sealed engineering plans and formal vendor estimates.
The committee discussed an infrastructure adaptation fund grant that opened in late March but closes at the end of May, creating a tight timeline. Members agreed they need a formal engineering report sealed by a licensed engineer and then to put the work out to bid; they also discussed budgeting for consultant and engineering work (committee recalled a prior recommendation of $50,000 passed to the budget committee) to secure the match and develop the grant application.
Committee members asked the road commissioner and manager to obtain a formal engineer’s estimate and to identify the likely cost of design services required for a grant application. The committee did not authorize construction spending at the meeting; it agreed only to pursue firm estimates and to reconvene with a formal scope and cost breakdown before deciding whether to apply for the adaptation fund grant.
