Commission awards FAS-51 bridge contract, plans mid-August closure and signage

Brown County commissioners approved a notice of award for the FAS-51 bridge rehabilitation project and discussed timing and public notice to reduce travel disruption.

Staff reported two responsive bids and recommended awarding the project to the apparent low bidder. The county moved and seconded the notice-of-award motion and carried it. Staff estimated four to five weeks to complete contract execution and mobilization; with that schedule, the contractor estimated early-to-mid August as the likely start, and staff said the work would require approximately 120 working days, during which the bridge would be closed.

Commissioners asked staff to place advance warning signs at the closest intersections on each side of the bridge to inform motorists and truck traffic when closure begins. One commissioner asked the engineer (Brady) to evaluate retrofit options before full replacement so the county could balance historic character and state grant preferences; staff agreed to ask the engineer to consider preservation or retrofitting alternatives.

The motion to award and the related permit and closure preparations carried unanimously at the meeting. The commission directed staff to finalize contract documents, coordinate required signage and public notice, and return executed signatures to complete procurement.