Miami County to execute KDOT-funded award for 379th Street bridge replacement

Road and Bridge Director Eric Sandberg asked the Miami County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 2 to authorize a KDOT-administered award to replace Bridge 3.5 Q0.1 on 379th Street, about 0.2 mile east of Somerset Road. Sandberg said the county was the recipient of KDOT off-system bridge funding that will cover construction and inspection costs and that Donlinger and Sons was the apparent low bidder at $979,189.

"Therefore, Miami County's matching funds will be $0," Sandberg said. He told the commission he expects construction to take place this winter and the bridge to reopen next spring. Sandberg asked the commission to sign the letter of award so the county can move forward with the contract and KDOT agreement.

The project is tied to an off-system KDOT grant of $2,000,000, which Sandberg said would cover 100% of the construction and engineering inspection services. The bridge is locally known as "Granny's Bridge," commissioners noted during the meeting; members discussed detours and the importance of restoring the crossing to avoid 8–10 mile diversions for local drivers.

Commissioners also asked for updates on nearby bridge projects and right-of-way acquisition. Sandberg said the two additional bridges discussed were still in design and that staff would follow up when the relevant staff member returns next week. No formal vote on the award was recorded during the study session; Sandberg requested that commissioners sign the award letter to proceed.

The commission packet lists Donlinger and Sons as the apparent low bidder and identifies the project location and funding source. Further procedural steps — signing the award and executing the KDOT agreement — were presented as pending administrative action.