Adams County hears Secondary Roads update as state bridge funding opportunity is noted

Secondary Roads staff briefed the Adams County Board of Supervisors on June 1 about ongoing bridge work and a potential state funding opportunity for county bridge replacements.

The board was told that Iowa is eligible for $32.5 million in bridge funds and that county crews have begun preliminary surveys for three candidate bridges — Jasper 8, Union 5 and Douglas 5 — to support a county bridge replacement grant effort. Staff also reported that both abutments on Lincoln 3 have been poured and that crews are beginning to drive piles for false work on that project.

The update noted a closed railroad bridge on 190th Street, railroad interest in replacing Prescott 13 and a planned box culvert installation on Chestnut Avenue in Nodaway. Secondary Roads staff said employee Nick was at the state capital to pursue Hungry Canyons-related advocacy and that Senator Chuck Grassley’s office had communicated with Secretary Duffy on related matters; Economic Development also provided an email of support for the county’s efforts.

Staff described other ongoing local work: shouldering on 180th Street, installation of crossroad culverts, and rock hauling in the southwestern part of the county. They said the department plans to inspect an assembled Peterbilt truck for potential purchase or use and noted staff will attend the ICEA conference on July 8–9.

Why it matters: bridge replacements and preliminary surveys influence which local projects can access competitive state and federal funding; the board was updated on the projects’ status and planned next steps.

Next steps: Secondary Roads staff will continue the bridge surveys, advance conceptual work on Grant 7 and 8 projects, and pursue available funding opportunities. The board received the report; no formal action on the bridge projects was taken at this meeting.