Bremer County signs off on bridge voucher, investigates drainage overflow and applies for radar feedback grant

Bremer County supervisors authorized the chair to sign the final voucher closing out bridge project LL1125739 and discussed a separate drainage problem and potential traffic-safety grant applications.

Staff reported the bridge deck replacement project in the county's northwest was completed at the bid price of $87,300 and the final voucher was approved. The board then discussed an ongoing drainage issue in District 19 after heavy rainfall; county engineering staff said water continued to bypass intakes and that, based on initial observations, the intakes may be undersized and upgrading them would likely be a significant expense.

The county engineer said investigators will meet internally in two to three weeks to gather more evidence before engaging outside engineers. "If opening the outlet didn't clear it, it's to my opinion probably not a damage issue. It's probably a sizing issue," staff told the board.

Separately, staff plans to submit a Transportation Improvement Program application by the Aug. 15 deadline seeking funding for radar feedback signs at several priority corridors (including Bremer, Clinger and Buck Creek) under the traffic-safety improvement program.

The board authorized the bridge voucher by motion, directed staff to conduct further drainage investigation before contracting outside engineers, and supported the TIP application for radar feedback signs.