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County leaders weigh repairs, bridge closures and a new patching machine
Summary
The commissioners discussed multiple road and bridge needs — including Midway Road bridge closure and emergency stabilization, a planned Rosedale pipe replacement, interim repairs to Ferndale Road to preserve bus service, and approval to buy a replacement patching machine — and directed staff to pursue short‑term fixes and community cost‑sharing where appropriate.
County officials discussed several transportation and infrastructure items, including equipment replacement, interim road repairs to maintain school and bus routes, and structural bridge concerns.
Highway staff and commissioners described the need for a new patching machine to replace older units; commissioners approved the purchase at the meeting and said the county will sell or surplus older equipment when the new unit is operational. One commissioner noted the department already budgets labor and would seek to limit the capital outlay to a unit that meets local needs rather than purchasing top‑of‑the‑line equipment.
A bus operator raised concerns that Ferndale Road’s condition could prevent bidding for a county route. Commissioners discussed a one‑time chip‑seal repair estimated roughly at $20,000 (the presenter said about half of that would be materials) and asked staff to approach the affected town to see whether it could provide material funding or share costs; the county indicated it could provide labor and perform the work if the town could help secure material funding or agree to reimburse via future Community Crossings funds.
Engineers and highway staff reported on a small bridge in Rosedale where the town has bought a replacement pipe and the county plans to install the pipe after local events and school recess, followed by paving using Community Crossings funds.
Inspectors also identified structural problems on Midway Road that required immediate closure. Commissioners discussed short‑term stabilization (temporary beams, rebar/form and concrete work) and assigned staff to prepare stabilization work and follow a replacement plan that had appeared in earlier engineering reports but had not been completed.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with the town regarding Ferndale Road materials and with engineers to stabilize Midway bridge, install the Rosedale pipe after June events, and proceed with the approved patching‑machine purchase.
