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Road and Bridge staff reprioritize repairs after 2026 bridge inspections; asphalt and labor costs rise
Summary
Douglas County's Road and Bridge division told commissioners its 2026 bridge inspection and updated cost estimates prompted reprioritization of bridge replacements; staff cited higher asphalt and labor costs and noted the county's ability to deliver grant-funded projects due to in-house engineering capacity.
Chad, the road and bridge representative, told commissioners the department updated priorities after the 2026 bridge inspection and a change in the nationwide inspection methodology. The department plans a sequence of bridge replacements: one next year, three the following year, and three the year after that, with an emphasis on arterial and emergency routes and load-posted structures.
On cost estimates, Chad said asphalt prices (tied to oil) and labor increases pushed estimates up for near-term projects, and staff used recent bid tabs to refine engineering estimates. "So asphalt is driven by the price price of oil," Chad said when explaining why pavement costs rose. Commissioners asked about coordination with KDOT and nearby cities; Chad said most grant agreements are in place before spending and that the county's cash-funded CIP and in-house engineering help the county deliver projects and attract grant awards.
