The McPherson County Commission received a comprehensive update on bridge infrastructure during their August 25 meeting, revealing that the county is looking at approximately $9 million in bridge projects over the next couple of years.

David Bohnenblust, Public Works Director, presented commissioners with a detailed tracking report of current and upcoming bridge projects throughout the county. The report outlined multiple categories of bridge work, ranging from major structures to smaller culvert replacements.

"Page three, just let you know, in the next couple of years, we're looking at $9 million on bridges," Bohnenblust told commissioners. "We won't be able to do that every year, because a million of that is coming out of kind of reserve funds."

The county's bridge program includes three major bridge projects described as "multi-million dollar big bridges on high traffic areas." These include a project southwest of Inman being designed by Earls Engineering, the Grover Bridge, and what officials called the "Car Valley" bridge on 27th Avenue. Bohnenblust noted that these three large projects are in various stages of design and funding.

In addition, four concrete box culverts are being designed for construction by Concrete Products, with some scheduled for this year and others planned for 2026. Bohnenblust emphasized that much of the current design work is for next year's construction projects.

"You can't just say, 'Hey, put me in a new bridge next week.' It takes a little bit longer than that," Bohnenblust explained.

The county is also pursuing state funding for three additional large bridge structures. One significant project is the Smokey Hill Bridge near Marquette and Lindsborg, estimated at $3 million. Bohnenblust indicated this crossing is particularly important as there are only three or four bridges crossing the Smoky Hill River in the county.

The presentation also included information about recently completed bridges, current projects, and seven pipe installations scheduled to prepare roads for next year's paving work.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges of infrastructure maintenance, particularly after recent flood damage to several bridges in the county. One bridge, described as the second oldest in the county, was damaged during heavy rains and is currently closed while officials determine whether to repair, replace, or pursue alternative solutions.

Bohnenblust noted that the tracking report was compiled to help monitor progress on the numerous bridge projects across the county.

The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved the purchase of a used 2016 Ram 2500 pickup truck during their regular meeting on Monday, as the Public Works Department moves to replace an aging vehicle in their fleet.

Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and another department representative presented the request, seeking approval for the purchase of the truck from McPherson Car Connection at a cost of $26,995. The dealer reportedly removed their administration fee of approximately $375 from the initial price.

The Ram has only 53,000 miles on it and is reportedly in excellent condition.

"It's very clean," they told commissioners. "I've driven it. It's a very nice truck. Tires are brand new, and it just had brakes done all the way around."

They added that the vehicle's Carfax report indicated all services had been "done pretty religiously" by previous owners.

The new truck will replace a 2004 Trailblazer that has developed significant engine problems.

"The engine has got bad compression in number two cylinder, so it needs a new engine," they explained.

When asked about plans for the old vehicle, they indicated the department would likely sell it "as is" in October, noting it wasn't worth the expense of installing a new engine.

The Public Works Department currently operates with two Explorer vehicles previously acquired from the Sheriff's Department, a 1999 van, and the problematic Trailblazer that will be replaced.

All commissioners voted in favor.

Work has begun on a portion of west First Street (from Hospital Drive to the HWY 81 bypass). Kansas Paving is under contact for repairs and mill & overlay efforts in the area. They have started on the north side. Traffic will be condensed to two lanes in this area for an undetermined amount of time.