County to seek design authorization for Bridge 21D1; project eligible for $150,000 state grant

Miami County staff asked commissioners to authorize solicitation of design services for Bridge 21D1 on 230 Ninth Street, about 600 feet east of Indianapolis Road, noting the structure has deteriorated to the point that replacement is required.

Staff said Bridge 21D1 has been on the county’s replacement list since 2021 and that it finally ‘‘kicked the bucket.’’ The project form presented to commissioners included $55,000 for design, a small right‑of‑way acquisition budget for two parcels, and a construction estimate in the mid‑$400,000 to $500,000 range. Staff described a likely replacement as a steel‑girder system with concrete deck and rail; that configuration increases cost but is eligible for state assistance.

Funding note: staff said Bridge 21D1 is eligible for the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program and that the county would receive $150,000 in reimbursable grant funds for the project. If the county selected to close and abandon another bridge as part of the program rules, an additional $50,000 might be available in some circumstances. The bridge’s most recent ADT on the record was 48 vehicles per day (2011 data), and staff noted that the bridge is on an incline that will require particular foundation work.

Timing: staff said the department intends to fund design, geotechnical and right‑of‑way work in the current or next budget year and to seek construction funding in 2026; if design is ready next year the county could bid in 2026 with construction completed in late 2026 or early 2027. Commissioners asked whether both Bridge 21D1 and Bridge 9G1 could be bid around the same time; staff said that is the intent unless right‑of‑way acquisition complications arise.

Next steps: staff requested authorization to proceed with design solicitation and to return with a funding plan and schedule for construction.