SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work is scheduled to begin on the Scott Boulevard bridge in South Hutchinson in the coming weeks.
According to Don Brittain with Reno County Public Works, contractors will close Scott Boulevard some time around Friday, July 8, and begin removing the existing structure Monday, July 11, if all goes as planned.
Brittain says, weather permitting, the bridge could be finished in about one month, although the contract allows for 60 working days to be completed.
The small span became a point of controversy when the city of South Hutch claimed the bridge, which had recently had its weight limit reduced by the state, belonged to the county and it was their responsibility. Both sides wrestled with the responsibility of the bridge until the county and city came up with a solution to the problem. The solution was the county would offer engineering services and expertise in getting the project done at the lowest price, and the city of South Hutchinson would pay for the bridge.
The bridge is necessary because it is the only way for county Public Works vehicles to get in and out of their facility without using South Hutchinson city streets. The city has said that traffic is causing unwanted wear and tear on the streets.
Originally, the estimated cost of replacing the bridge was around $700,000 — but the actual low bid on the project was $392,295. That does not include engineering services, which adds another $26,760 to the overall price tag.
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