County moves forward on bridge inventory, pedestrian bridge inspections and professional engagements

Morgan County commissioners on May 4 approved a professional services agreement to complete a county bridge inventory and reviewed related inspection and funding issues for pedestrian bridges.

Eddie Fisher of the highway department updated the board on a bridge inventory project that was approved in November and requires placement on the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization TIP to generate the purchase order and proceed with work. Fisher said the TIP amendment was completed and the county signed the needed documentation, allowing the contract to move forward.

Commissioners also discussed two pedestrian bridges that INDOT/federal funding no longer includes in the federally funded inspection program. Board members asked highway staff to inspect those structures, clarify ownership and liability, and report back with options — including potential closure or decommissioning — because future repairs may require local funds.

Separately, county staff presented an updated engagement with REd/3D Financial (municipal adviser) adding services (annexation, utilities) and an AI‑use policy; consultant Tyler Lewis said the county’s fee will not change. Commissioners approved the updated engagement and the United Consulting professional service agreement for the pedestrian bridge inventory.

Why it matters: The bridge inventory and inspection schedule affect maintenance eligibility and future funding. Pedestrian structures that are no longer eligible for federal inspection assistance may create local liability and maintenance obligations.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the inventory contract, inspect specific pedestrian bridges cited in the meeting and return with a plan addressing liability, inspection schedules and funding options; county will implement the municipal adviser engagement with the updated scope.