The Starke County Commissioners discussed bridge inspections during their meeting last week.
Starke County Highway Interim Superintendent Rachel Oesterreich told commissioners, United Consultants are starting phase 1A of bridge inspections. Phase 1A inspects bridges on a 12 month cycle and are typically the county’s bridges that are on a replacement list. It was noted the phase will also include an underwater inspection on Bridge 137.
Oesterreich stated the four phases will take place this year through 2027. She added, bridge inspection funding comes from the county’s Cumulative Bridge Fund. She stated the federal government requires bridge inspections and offers an 80/20 matching bridge inspection grant in the amount of $250,000. It was noted the total cost the county will need to put forth is $50,000 and that is expected to come out of the Cumulative Bridge Fund in five separate payments each year through 2028.
