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Road & Bridge staff outline bridge-replacement cadence and rising cost pressures
Summary
Road & Bridge staff described updated bridge inspection-driven priorities, a multi-year replacement cadence for aging 1970s bridges and rising asphalt and labor costs affecting near-term estimates.
Chad, speaking for Road & Bridge, said the department reprioritized bridge replacements after the 2026 inspection report and outlined a cadence of replacements (1 bridge this year, 3 next year, 3 the following year) while noting the county’s bridge inventory includes 161 bridges. "We have a 161 bridges, and they have an average life overall of around 70 to 80 years," Chad said, and added the county focuses on arterial roads, emergency routes and load-posted bridges in its priority making.
Chad told commissioners updated cost estimates reflect higher asphalt (tied to oil prices) and rising labor costs, requiring larger pavement allowances in near-term projects. He described the county’s approach to estimating—using recent bid tabs and engineering contingency—and said grants from KDOT and federal pass-through programs help offset costs when available.
