Engineer urges planning for replacement options on 60-year-old Bridge 165

EG Consultants presented an evaluation of Bridge 165 near Leroy, describing the structure as a two-girder, fracture-critical bridge whose deck is in the worst condition and which currently carries load-posting restrictions.

Brady Hedstrom of EG Consultants walked the commission through alternatives, from continued deck patching to targeted rehabilitation (stringer or floor-beam replacement) to full replacement with a new superstructure. Hedstrom said rebuilding with additional girder lines would remove the fracture-critical designation and the need for specialized biennial inspections, but would add cost and potential right-of-way impacts. "I think it's my opinion it could last another 50, 60 years," Hedstrom said of the substructure, but he cautioned that the deck and patches will continue to deteriorate.

The report included life-cycle comparisons showing rehab options can be slightly less expensive over time if the county prioritizes lower up-front cost; full replacement, however, could broaden grant eligibility. Hedstrom summarized relevant funding options, saying the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program targets load-posted or fracture-critical bridges and can fund projects that may reach several million dollars (he noted awards in the low millions have occurred), while larger federal programs are competitive and typically require bigger projects and regional coordination.

Commissioners and residents discussed detour lengths, impacts on farm equipment and emergency access, and timing. The consultant estimated that re-decking could be a multi-month project while a full superstructure replacement could take 6 to 9 months (or longer when foundations and substructure work are included). Hedstrom recommended further preliminary design to refine right-of-way needs, cost estimates and construction phasing to reduce closure time.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 1082; topfinish SEG 1550