Committee member moves to approve Midway Road bridge quote, total cost estimated about $45,000

A committee member moved to approve a quote for a Midway Road bridge after Parke County officials reviewed material and labor estimates for the project. The chair introduced a highway-department quote for a prefabricated bridge structure in the low $32,000s and said the total project — including labor and installation — would be "roughly about $45,000."

Why it matters: Replacing the Midway Road bridge is a capital repair that the county highway staff will install, affecting a local road and requiring funds within the county’s capital or maintenance budget. Approving the quote will allow the county to order the prefabricated structure and schedule the installation.

What was said: The chair (S1) presented the bid, saying the quote for the bridge structure itself appeared in the $32,200 range and that an email from highway staff estimated total labor and related costs at about $45,000. Committee member S3 sought clarification: "Is that total cost or..." The chair replied, "Total cost be at about 45,000."

Committee member S4 then moved, "I'd make a motion we approve the bridge from quote from Synchrony," initiating a motion to accept the vendor quote. Members discussed that the $32,000 figure referred to the bridge structure (a likely prefab unit) and that county highway crews would perform the installation. One member noted the structure could span near 80 feet and referenced a "grading bridge" and 5-inch heavy material.

Next steps: The motion to accept the Synchrony quote was made by S4; members indicated assent by voice. County highway staff are expected to coordinate installation and schedule completion, with a target of finishing by the end of summer as discussed during the meeting. The meeting record does not show a roll-call vote; approval was indicated by voice assent.