Engineer outlines Channelworth start, Morehead testing, and grant plans for Ironbridge and 395th Avenue

Jaden from the county engineer’s office updated the board on multiple bridge projects and grant efforts, saying the contractor plans to start Channelworth preconstruction on Jan. 12 and that nondestructive testing on the Morehead bridge identified three additional cracks that will need repair after the new year. "Channelworth is over $2,000,000 to replace," Jaden said, and he outlined the constraints of the county’s bridge account versus large replacement costs.

He described planning to reapply for Federal Highway competitive grants (previously RAISE/BUILD and TSIP) for Ironbridge and the 395th Avenue project. For Ironbridge, Jaden noted the structure is a historic resource requiring Section 4(f) mitigation and that realigning the approach could reduce curves but would involve rock blasting and additional environmental and design work. The engineer said applications are due soon and staff will work through the RPA and county steps to support submissions.

Supervisors discussed sequencing of closures and inspections, funding timelines (replacement often occurs years after award), and the operational impacts of overlapping bridge closures. The board expressed support for applying again for grants and urged staff to minimize detour overlap when possible.