Highway official summarizes bridge projects, roundabout study and resurfacing progress

Miranda, the highway department representative, gave a detailed quarterly update on major bridge and roadway projects. She said Redbridge is in the State Historic Preservation Office process and that the county’s intent is to reuse the existing bridge trusses in a new bridge if preservation approval is granted; the reuse effort was advertised and produced one letter of interest that lacked necessary funds and insurance. On Hawkins Bridge Miranda said the county is in right-of-way negotiations with the Hawkins family and their attorney, and that work timing hinges on acquiring the needed easements and state permits.

Miranda also described the Chadwick Road bridge FLAP grant: the county is waiting for a MoDOT notice to proceed and has asked for additional funding because work now requires full replacement rather than a deck repair; county capital funds could cover the difference if needed. For the Tracker Road/Nicholas intersection the consultant’s intersection control evaluation recommended a roundabout, which Miranda said would cut peak-hour delay from about two minutes to roughly seven seconds and reduce conflict points. She said the roundabout recommendation will be presented at a public meeting for comment.

On resurfacing Miranda reported hot-mix paving and single-coat chip-and-seal work are completed, with double coats wrapping up on the east side; the county added Terrell Valley this year after coming in under budget. Commissioners asked follow-up questions about right-of-way timing, utility relocation costs and project schedules; no further action was taken at the meeting.