Board hears that DOT required bridge and DNR review complicate north-trail work

During the conservation department update at the Aug. 26 Jackson County supervisors meeting, staff said Iowa DOT required the installation of a bridge near the mill as part of the trail alignment. Nathan Jones described the DOT-mandated offset from the existing bridge and said staff have secured right-of-way but expect additional complexity and cost.

Jones also told the board that DNR reviewers raised questions about floodplain and water-crossing details on parts of the water-quality work tied to the trail. "We may have to get traders to pull them out after he's done with 1 of them and put it down to a different grade to make them happy," he said, adding that staff are communicating with DNR and expect to resolve the issues but that some regrading or drainage work may be required.

Board members pressed staff on why DOT required an offset bridge and on whether those design choices could be contested; staff said the right-of-way has been worked out for the selected alignment. Jones said he considered that portion largely done other than minor drainage fixes and a 3-inch drain washout that still needs repair.

No formal board action was taken; staff said they will continue coordination with DOT and DNR and will bring any necessary change orders or contract amendments back to the board for approval.