Scott County considers road repairs

BENTON -- Scott County is exploring its options when it comes to repairing bridges and roads damaged by spring flooding.

During Thursday's regular commission meeting, Joel Evans, county developer and director of emergency management, spoke with commissioners about possible plans for three areas near Rockview.

"We're looking at hazard mitigation," said Evans. "Not only repairing the projects to pre-disaster, but to a state to prevent damage reoccurring in future disasters."

One project is to replace the approaches to the Sals Creek Bridge off County Road 204. "The asphalt approaches were scoured and washed away," said Evans, noting the total space was about 25 to 30 feet on each side.

Although asphalt was previously used, officials are considering using concrete instead. "With the price of asphalt today, for very little more, we can use concrete and that should eliminate further damage," said Evans.

The commissioners said concrete would be the best way to go.

A second project, further west on County Road 210, involves replacing a bridge that crosses a valley along the road. "It has cracked where it is attached to the wing walls and foundation," said Evans.

A complete bridge replacement is proposed, in addition to elevating the road as high as four feet, said Evans.

The third project is on County Road 219 in the same region, near an area referred to as Belk Hill, said Evans. There is a narrow, steep incline on the hill and the roadway is flanked by steep banks on each side, which channel water into the roadway, he explained.

"The hazard mitigation plan is crowning that road to make it higher in the center, using heavy rip rap channels down both sides and hard surfacing that road with asphalt," said Evans. The section is about 1,900 feet long.

The problem with the projects is that there is no guarantee for repayment, said Evans.

"So we have to look at whether we can afford to do it without getting any money back," said Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn.

"And if we do something like that and don't get it back, it scares me," said Ziegenhorn, citing the county's budget restraints and current measures to cut back on expenses.

"But I think the one with the approach to the bridge has got to be done anyway," said Commissioner Ron McCormick.

Evans said there is some time to think about the projects -- about two weeks.

"If we're going to consider doing this project, the best time would be to do it after the regular asphalt season before equipment is stored for the winter," said Evans.