Board posts Hess Road bridge at 10 tons after inspection finds timber decay

The Blackhawk County Board of Supervisors on June 9 approved a temporary bridge embargo posting a 10-ton vehicle weight limit for structure number 74260, a timber-supported bridge crossing a Miller Creek tributary on Hess Road.

County Engineer Kathy Nicholas summarized structural inspection findings that showed significant decay in timber piles and deterioration in the backwall elements that support the abutments. Nicholas said the affected portion of Hess Road lacks crossroads for about three miles, so posted restrictions will require a lengthy detour for local residents.

Nicholas and staff said they had notified residents and that the posting is intended to be temporary. “Big thing is that people know that this embargo is only for a period of time, we hope,” she said, adding that current planning places replacement work in the county’s five-year plan and staff hope the situation will be resolved in roughly two to three years. County staff indicated the bridge replacement would likely be done by the county bridge crew once design and surveying are complete.

The board approved the posting by resolution and directed signs to be erected to advise drivers of the 10-ton maximum. Staff will continue to review inspection reports and adjust priorities across the five-year bridge plan as needed.