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County staff recommend lowering OS63 bridge limit to 10 tons; detour and equipment needs discussed
Summary
Public works reported poor condition of the OS63 bridge and recommended lowering the posted limit from 20 to 10 tons; staff also described a proposed detour for a KDOT bridge project, a 100-day expected duration, and replacement options for a backhoe axle estimated at $3,500.
Pawnee County public works staff told commissioners on Feb. 16 that an inspection raised safety concerns for the OS63 Bridge and recommended reducing the posted weight limit from 20 tons to 10 tons until a long-term fix is implemented.
Road/Bridge Director Kurt Demel relayed an email from an engineer and stated, “it is suggested to lower the weight limit to 10 Tons until it is necessary to close the bridge permanently.” Kurt also presented a proposed detour for KDOT’s Highway 56 bridge project and said the project is expected to last roughly 100 days if uninterrupted; he discussed the maintenance cost implications for detour routes within county and city limits. On equipment, Kurt said crews located a complete axle for the county backhoe priced at approximately $3,500 and that the backhoe had about 10,000 hours of use. Commissioners directed continued coordination with KDOT and engineers on detour and weight-limit signage, but no final closure decision was recorded at the meeting.
Kurt additionally reported road updates including replacement of 911 signs on state highways and initiation of engineer selection for the OS88 bridge, with hopes to complete that work this year.
