Lyon County Commissioners are in the early phases of discussion that could lead to another major bridge replacement by next year.
During a Highway Department update, Lyon County Engineer Wayne Scritchfield noted that the Toad Holler Bridge, located just off Road 170 and Road R1 & S, is “in terrible shape.” Scritchfield noted there is a cost-share program, the same one used to support the replacement of the Rocky Ford Bridge over the last year, available; however, the deadline for applying for the program is at the end of September, and the department would not be able to meet that deadline.
That said, Scritchfield noted he would like to hire a specialty engineer for an evaluation of the bridge and provide options for either replacing or repairing the bridge in the future. Scritchfield is expected to return soon with an estimate for that work, with the understanding the project likely would not be able to start until some point in 2027.
Additional updates from Scritchfield included a report on Olpe Lake Road, which has recently reopened to traffic following concrete work, the reopening of a minimum maintenance road and plans for staff to “come off summer hours next week” with hours to be 6:30 am to 3 pm five days a week. Scritchfield also submitted a request to approve a payment to Kip Kubin of Shelter Belt LLC in the amount of $2,000 due to damages within a temporary easement to be paid for out of the county’s Right of Way Damage fund.
Commissioners approved the request unanimously.
Separate action included approval of the Chief Elected Official Board Agreement between Lyon County and Local Workforce Development Area 1, previously known as KansasWorks and the commission’s signing of a proclamation in support of National Adult Education Week from September 13-19.
Commissioners also held a trio of executive sessions with no action taken. The Lyon County Commission will reconvene next Thursday at 9 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse Commission chambers.
