HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners will take time to further discuss the future of the
43rd Ave. bridge that spans the Union Pacific railroad during Tuesday’s agenda session.
In February, Reno County Public Works announced that, after an inspection, weight limits to the wooden structure were being lowered to 3 tons for single-axle vehicles, 6 tons for a tandem truck and 12 tons for larger vehicles. The new limits meant that school buses and emergency vehicles could no longer use the bridge.
Talk of replacing the span has come up in the past, but it’s close proximity to K-61 and tight restrictions by the railroad underneath has made it financially impossible for the county to consider. Since the county has taken over what is now old K-61, some of those issues might be easier to overcome.
The bridge is one of three the board will discuss and take possible action on Tuesday. The other is the Woody Seat Bridge, which is suffering from expansion joint failure, causing erosion of the steel superstructure. The Board is expected to take action on a contract with PCI Roads for the repairs at a cost of $672,613.
The commission will also take action on making improvements to the Nickerson Blvd. Bridge over the Cow Creek Floodway. The contract with L&M Contractors of Great Bend totals $68,875.
Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.