By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
In early May, the Barton County Commission, with a deal from the Kansas Department of Transportation, approved the replacement of the county's last remaining fracture-critical bridge a mile east of Kiowa Kitchen. Wednesday morning, the body approved a bid to replace the bridge on East Barton County Road. County Engineer Barry McManaman outlined the project to commissioners.
"It's one that we've been in discussions with for quite a few years wanting to get it replaced because it's a narrow bridge, 19 feet wide," McManaman said. "Farm equipment has some trouble getting through there. In fact, it can't get through there. We received a KDOT Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program grant under which they will pay 85 percent of the construction costs, and Barton County is responsible for the remaining 15 percent."
The county received four bids to replace Off-System Bridge No. 202. Engineers from Kirkham Michael estimated replacement could cost more than $833,000. Great Bend's L&M Contractors submitted the low bid, which was approved by the commission, at $605,603. The contract includes a Nov. 13 start date, though construction could begin as early as August or September.
"KDOT has the upcoming 4-lane project east of town that they're in the design phases on," McManaman said. "A benefit during construction, if we can get this bridge replaced now, then the farmers are going to be able to get through there with their wide loads."
The bridge is approximately 100 years old. Per the grant, Barton County will pay the full $605,603 to have the project completed, then receive $514.762.55 from KDOT upon completion.