Traill County approves encroachment permits, updates on bridge projects and road spending

Traill County commissioners on April 21 approved encroachment permits and heard updates on multiple bridge projects and gravel spending from Road Superintendent Corwyn Martin.

Martin told the commission that Gowan withdrew its gravel bid and is preparing revised maps for the contracted areas. He said three roads are slated for work and that "expenditures already exceed $150,000 of the $300,000 budgeted." The commission approved encroachment permits to allow Dakota Natural Gas to install a gas line to the new water plant on County Road 11, for Nodak Electric to work off County Road 11 to an old farmstead, and for Midco to install fiber optic cable in Garfield Township off County Road 23.

The commission approved a purchase of a power rake attachment for the highway skid steer using the equipment account. Martin also reported the road crew will replace pipes damaged by Denny Peterson and that an invoice will be submitted for cost recovery when the work is complete. The open position at the Buxton shop has been filled, he said.

KLJ Engineer Matt Lange provided project updates: Climax bridge work remains on hold because of high water, demolition on Bridge 114A is mostly complete, and work on Bridge 316 is expected to begin in mid-May or early June pending one remaining property-owner signature. Lange presented a Model D floodplain ordinance; States Attorney Charles Stock advised both first and second readings are required before adoption, and the second reading is scheduled for the May 5, 2026 meeting.

The highway items were handled in a single agenda block and approved by motions recorded during the meeting.