Bridge projects end, while others begin

Bridge closures can be inconvenient, but also bring infrastructure improvements that help keep motorists safe as they cross and go on their way.

Following updates to the Sample Road bridge, traffic is flowing there again, and soon will on another new bridge as well.

Brandon Sanders, Wayne County’s engineer, told the county commissioners during their May 14 meeting that work was completed on the Sample Road bridge. That full replacement also widened the bridge to two travel lanes and improved the guardrails at a cost of $1.7 million.

Sanders said work on the Heiney Road bridge should be completed within a couple of weeks. That bridge had been closed because of its condition. It also is a full replacement project that includes widening to two lanes and guardrail improvements at a cost of $1.8 million.

While those projects are concluding, others are just beginning.

Sanders received unanimous commissioner approval to enter a construction inspection contract with Clark Dietz for the Bridge Avenue bridge in Richmond. The contract amount is $269,082.

Replacement of that bridge is anticipated to cost about $2.5 million, with the Indiana Department of Transportation contributing about $1.2 million. Sanders said he needs to go to Wayne County Council to discuss funding for the project. When the project began, INDOT’s commitment covered 80% of the anticipated cost; however, although inflation raised the estimated cost, INDOT has not committed additional funds. That leaves the county covering about $900,000 more than anticipated.

Commissioners also unanimously approved Sanders entering a $67,000 design contract with Egis for rehabilitation of the Robinson Road bridge. That project to install a new concrete overlay is expected to cost $350,000.

Animal help

Commissioners briefly discussed assisting HELP the Animals with a project to improve its outdoor kennels.

HELP applied for grant funding from Wayne County Foundation for a project costing about $50,000. The project would include concrete work, fencing and electrical work to rehabilitate kennels no longer usable and to add new kennels.

Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said he expects there to be between $20,000 and $25,000 remaining in the commissioners’ line item used for animal welfare. The county pays HELP to accept animals from the sheriff’s animal control officer.

All three commissioners agreed that continuing the good working relationship with HELP makes sense. Plasterer said he would work with the county council to determine possible funding.

EDIT grant

Commissioners unanimously approved a $32,500 grant from the consolidated economic development income tax fund for Ahaus Tool & Engineering.

Ahaus acquired a building across from its location and is planning to invest $2.4 million to expand its business, creating 15 new jobs with a $25 average hourly wage.

The grant had previously been approved by the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County’s board of directors.

Drainage board

Convening as the county’s drainage board, commissioners approved the drainage plan for Zook Wood Truss Manufacturing on Arba Pike.

A proposed new building required redesign of the drainage system. David Inderstrodt, owner of Maze Design, said the system now includes a dry basin that collects water and slowly releases it to a wet pond. Gordon Moore, the county surveyor, recommended approval.

The drainage board also approved transferring $4,052.86 from the general ditch line item to the Quigg Ditch line item.

Moore said silt had settled in the Quigg Ditch, which is near Industrial Parkway, causing water to pool in a farm field. B&B Construction was hired for $13,000 to excavate the silt and clean out the drain pipes. B&B will install riprap to stabilize the ditch for another $3,200.