By HOLLY GASKILL
A bridge on River Road may be the next project between the county and the city of Bluffton.
County Engineer Nate Whitacre discussed the item with the Wells County Commissioners on Monday, saying he hoped to meet with the city to discuss sharing the local cost for the prospective Community Crossings Matching Grant. The bridge, technically a small structure, falls on the city limits.
Whitacre said the structure was in “poor condition” and the prospective project would upgrade it to a 20-ft. standard bridge. Afterward, the county would be responsible for continued inspection and maintenance.
Whitacre is also applying for a grant to stripe roads identified as having “frequent road departures.” He estimated the total project would be over $500,000, but the county’s match would be just 10%.
Also Monday, Whitacre notified the commissioners that County Road 450 East between 1000-11000 North will close on or after Aug. 26 for road rehabilitation. The project is anticipated to take three to four weeks depending on the weather.
Furthermore, Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar notified that work on Bridge 105 is on track for completion on Sept. 24. His department will begin chip sealing next week with 100 N between 500W and 600W, CR 450S between State Road 1 and 200E, and 450E between 250S and 300S.
holly@news-banner.com
