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County engineer reports multiple failing low‑water crossings; board weighs vacation and repair plans
Summary
At its Oct. 27 meeting, the Van Buren County Board heard County Engineer Ryne Thornburg report several failing low‑water crossings and other road repairs, including removal of a failed crossing on Iowa Oak Grove Avenue and options to repair or remove deteriorated culverts on York Avenue. The board identified a stretch to pursue for vacation and received updates on regrades and bridge repairs.
County Engineer Ryne Thornburg told the Van Buren County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 27 that the county has several low‑water crossings needing immediate attention and that the board should consider targeted repairs and, in one case, removal.
Thornburg reported that the crossing on Iowa Oak Grove Avenue north of 110th Road has failed and will be removed. He said Amber Avenue north of 280th Street will require downstream revetment to stabilize the channel. A crossing on 135th Street is partially failed and needs repair but is expected to be a relatively small expense; Thornburg noted that the crossing on 135th Street is used by several residents. Lick Creek Road north of 170th Street and 210th Street west of Route W40 were reported to have no current issues. On York Avenue north of 145th Street, Thornburg said culverts are deteriorated and a void has formed; that crossing will either need repair or removal.
The board also discussed pursuing formal road vacation for a portion of Iowa Oak Grove Avenue. Supervisor Waugh recommended, with Chairman Meek and Supervisor House concurring, that the vacation pursued run from 110th Road north to the NE corner of the SE¼ of the SE¼ of Section 5-T70N-R10W. Other potential vacations discussed included Fir Avenue between Route V64 and 105th Road, 180th Street between Willow Avenue and Yellow Avenue, and the Level B portion of Unicorn Avenue south of 290th Street.
Thornburg provided updates on larger projects: earthwork for the regrade of 105th/110th/115th Street is finished, with an additional lift of rock and seeding still required; the regrade of Eagle Drive (Farmington River Road) has been delayed until next spring. He said pile work on two deficient bridges is complete and those structures are now rated as fully legal.
Board members also were notified that the proposed environmental covenant for the old county landfill had not been received by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Chairman Meek agreed to sign and resubmit another copy. A request to vacate a platted street in the unincorporated town of Vernon was discussed but no formal action on that request is recorded in the minutes.
The engineer’s report focused on prioritizing safety and minimal‑cost repairs for crossings that serve residents, with larger regrade and bridge work staged according to seasonal constraints and budget availability.
