Public works: Winkler Mills bridge approved for KDOT cost-share, design and bids planned

John Ellerin, Public Works, told commissioners the Winkler Mills bridge replacement has been approved for a KDOT cost-share program and that the county's portion will be reduced by roughly $600,000 on what he described as a project "a little over a million dollars."

Ellerin said the county is awaiting final agreements and contract documents with KDOT before issuing the project for public bid. "We're what we're waiting for now is to get in the agreements and contract with KAT (KDOT) for the cost share and then we'll set that out to bid," he said, adding the county expects the work to proceed in the next construction season and that staff hope to have pre-bid documents out later this year.

Ellerin also reviewed related road projects: field-check plans for Marlat Road with an aim to finish design by year-end, bridge and generator pad work at the Law Enforcement Center, and separate crosswalk and lighting improvements planned near a Riley school to improve pedestrian safety.

No formal vote was required at the June 8 meeting; public works staff said they will return with contract documents and a proposed bid timeline.