Proposals will be reviewed soon for a bridge replacement project on Bridge 59 on County Road 700 S. over Bogus Run in Starke County.
Starke County Highway Department Office Manager Mary Perren told the commissioners last week that the county was notified in January of a $444,000 grant award in federal transportation funds for this replacement project. Construction is slated for 2025, but design work, development and right-of-way acquisition will be able to get started sooner in coordination with INDOT.
It was previously reported that Bridge 59 is structurally deficient due to sediment and deterioration. It is currently one of the last three deficient bridges in the county and the last to receive funding for replacement. The two other deficient bridges have received funding for replacement. They include Bridge 7 on County Road 1200 E. over the Yellow River and Bridge 137 on County Road 300 E. over the Yellow River.
Perren stated that several firms have expressed interest in the latest bridge proposal. The deadline to submit RFPs for Bridge 59 is Friday, April 16.
Additionally, Perren noted that the second phase of the bridge inspection cycle was complete. United Consulting representative Josh Gonya presented a report to the commissioners who said three of the five bridges on the replacement list are set to be replaced soon. Two other bridges recommended for replacement include Bridge 13 on County Road 600 E. over the Robbins Ditch and Bridge 23 on County Road 800 E. over the Jan Ditch. Bridge 63 on County Road 500 E. over Bogus Run was on the rehabilitation list. Other maintenance recommendations on some of the county’s 57 bridges were included in a binder given to the commissioners for review.
