STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commisson had two bridges to discuss at their meeting Tuesday.
The first bridge discussed was the Kentucky Place bridge, located in the northwestern corner of the county.
The bridge was closed on June 29 under a recommendation from Brosz Engineering due to safety concerns.
As the bridge still exists and the structure has not been vacated, the county maintains some liability should any accidents happen on or to the bridge.
The commisson had several options – including replacing the bridge or simply removing it.
After discussion, the commission decided to remove it. The county will pay for labor, equipment, and disposal of the removed bridge, but would incur no further costs.
Also Tuesday, the commission also discussed the Opal Bridge replacement project.
The county continues to make progress on the project, but the South Dakota Department of Transportation has requested permission and oversee the Bid Process.
The commission unanimously approved a motion to allow the chairperson to sign the authorization allowing for SDDOT to begin and oversee the bid process for the Opal Bridge.
The cost of the $1.3-million dollar project will be covered by Competitive Highway Bridge Program funds and a Bridge Improvement Grant.
