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Commissioners move to survey right-of-way to keep Portland Mills runaround open
Summary
After the Portland Mills Bridge closure, commissioners agreed to survey and claim a right-of-way so the county can hold the landowner harmless and keep a decades-old runaround open while planning a permanent crossing; the runaround was reopened and residents welcomed the resolution.
Commissioners discussed the closed Portland Mills Bridge and a runaround the Hale family and neighbors have used for decades to move farm equipment around the site. The board said the highway department closed the runaround earlier but that discussions with the family resulted in an agreement to make the route a county right-of-way so the family will be held harmless while the county formalizes a permanent solution.
The chair described the history: the runaround was built roughly 40 years ago and neighbors relied on it for farm access. He said county staff and the highway superintendent met with the family and affected neighbors and worked out a temporary arrangement to hold the family harmless while a survey and necessary documentation are prepared. The chair said the route is now open and that the county will plan a permanent crossing in coming work, noting such a crossing may require excavation and a slab crossing similar to Crooks Bridge.
Neighbors reported they were pleased the runaround was reopened and said the arrangement will be a benefit for local farmers. Commissioners asked highway staff to proceed with surveying and preparing documents to formalize the right-of-way and promised to keep affected property owners informed as the permanent plan is developed.
