Collapsed culvert closes County Road 31; commissioners OK expedited bids and ordering

DeKalb County roads staff reported April 13 that Small Structure No. 32, a 13-foot-diameter structural-plate culvert on County Road 31 over the Dibbling Ditch, has begun to collapse and the roadway is closed. The county said the replacement culvert will require heavy lifting equipment to set and procurement could take 8–10 weeks.

A county roads supervisor told commissioners the damaged pipe has separated and overlapped as it decayed at the water line; staff estimated material costs "probably going to be $60 to $70,000" and discussed that costs might reach as much as roughly $80,000 depending on length and specification. Commissioners voted to authorize staff to obtain at least three quotes (required for purchases over $50,000), proceed with ordering and, if necessary, hold a formal vote to approve the final expenditure when quotes are returned.

Commissioners and staff also discussed inspection limitations for buried structural plate culverts: staff noted that silt and water inside the pipe often prevent complete exterior inspection, and that a prior inspection had given the structure an estimated 15 years of remaining life. The board asked staff to report back with quotes and a plan for scheduling the work so the closed road can be reopened as soon as possible.

No formal contract award was recorded during the meeting; the county will return with procurement results and a recommended contractor once quotes are obtained.