County posts bridge on Owlkill Road after concrete-deck inspection; one-lane limit being considered
Summary
Public works staff reported a new 24-hour red flag on a concrete-deck bridge on Owlkill Road, posted at an 11-ton limit. Staff said they will evaluate whether a temporary one-lane configuration can safely carry heavier emergency and school vehicles until replacement work is scheduled.
Public-works staff alerted the committee on Aug. 26 that a concrete-deck bridge on Owlkill Road in White Creek received a 24-hour red-flag inspection and has been posted at an 11‑ton load limit. Staff said the structure had not previously been on the county’s replacement program and was not scheduled for near-term work. Because the posted 11‑ton limit restricts many emergency vehicles and school buses, staff said they will evaluate a temporary one‑lane traffic configuration to preserve access while the bridge’s condition is assessed and prioritized for replacement. Public‑works staff explained the bridge’s deterioration differs from earlier flagged bridges that had wood decks on weathering steel; this Owlkill Road bridge shows concrete‑deck distress with localized beam concerns and three affected beams under the deck. Staff said the presence of improperly functioning weep‑hole cuts is contributing to water flow that is contacting beams and accelerating deterioration. No emergency closure was announced; the committee was informed that an interim load posting is in place and that staff will study whether a one‑lane configuration can maintain service for heavier users until funding and replacement scheduling are complete.
