County engineer outlines Hoff Road bridge progress; board discusses Washburn paving options

County Engineer Kathy Nicholas updated the Board of Supervisors on progress at the Hoff Road bridge, walking members through photos and construction steps and describing recent pile-driving activity.

Nicholas said crews drove several piles and installed the south abutment, and described the process and safety improvements: historically workers climbed ladders to seat H-piles, but the crew now uses a lift when available. “This pile is being driven about 50 feet into the ground,” she said, adding that crew members take measurements as driving slows near final depth. She indicated the pile-driving phase could finish within days and noted the county will later cut and cap piles and finish wingwalls and sheet-pile back walls.

Separately, the board addressed a constituent inquiry about paving roads in Washburn. Nicholas said the subdivision’s seal-coat work is on a five-year cycle and that converting to hot-mix asphalt would have advantages—fewer loose chips and longer-term durability—but would require significant design work and roughly a year of planning before construction could proceed.

Nicholas and supervisors agreed to pursue follow-up information about costs and design needs for Washburn, with the engineer noting she would try to provide a response to the resident quickly.

What’s next: Staff will complete remaining Hoff Road pile-driving work, proceed to cap and finish the abutment, and provide planning details and cost estimates for paving options in Washburn.