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Developer, state and county staff outline multimillion-dollar options for Veil/LaVelle Plaza bridge work
Summary
Public-works staff described three concept options and preliminary $4M+ cost estimates for the LaVelle/Veil Plaza bridge and entrance work; staff said rerouting a sewer line and targeted stabilization work would likely be early phases if the project proceeds with developer and state flood funds.
Public-works staff updated commissioners on developer meetings and engineering concepts for the LaVelle (Veil) Plaza bridge and entrance project. Staff said the developer presented three options—matching the existing opening, the same opening with a different structural type (box culvert), and a larger hydraulic opening to reduce flooding risk—with the most expensive option focused on significantly increasing the opening.
Preliminary cost estimates returned by the developer’s engineering team were described as at least $4 million. Staff and state highway representatives discussed tightening options to reduce cost while improving hydraulic performance. Public-works staff recommended initial steps could include stabilization and abutment work on the Route 40 side and rerouting the sewer line (which is currently embedded in the abutment) as an early phase, for which MDE funding applications are pending.
Commissioners discussed funding possibilities including developer investment, state flood mitigation dollars, county contributions (expected to be a smaller piece), ARC and other economic development sources, and the need for a firm developer commitment on parking-lot and roof repairs before county funds would be considered. Staff said further design meetings with the developer’s consultant are expected biweekly.
Why it matters: the bridge and associated plaza work are infrastructure and economic-development issues that could affect traffic, flood risk, commercial property value and jobs; commissioners emphasized protecting taxpayer funds and requiring developer commitments if county support is provided.
Next steps: staff will continue biweekly design coordination with the developer, pursue MDE funding for the sewer reroute, and return to commissioners with refined cost estimates and proposed funding commitments.
