Board approves Morehead Bridge reopening, FY27 five-year road program and two intersection lighting projects

Jaden Shekel of the county engineer's office told the board that repairs on the Morehead Bridge are complete and recommended a resolution to reopen the bridge to a 15-ton weight restriction. "Last year when it closed, we had a resolution to close it. Well, now that the repairs have been made and the bridge is open, we should have a official resolution to reopen the bridge back to its 15 ton weight restriction," Shekel said. The board approved the reopening resolution (resolution 11 72-03-10-2026).

Shekel also reported that the FY27 five-year county program and budget had been reviewed by DOT (approvals recorded March 4) and recommended board approval; the board passed the program resolution. The county solicited and received competitive bids for two destination-lighting intersections; the low bidder was Beechler Electric of Dubuque and the board approved awarding the FY27 lighting project to Beechler. The engineer's office additionally recommended and the board approved two utility permits: an underground fiber-optic permit for Preston Telephone Company and an overhead power-line permit for Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative. Shekel gave a construction update on the Channelworth North Pier, noting work on cofferdams and that driving the first pile was expected if river conditions permitted.