Portage County committee weighs design contract for County Highway E bridge after load posting

Portage County Highway Committee members discussed a design contract on June 17, 2025, to replace the load-posted County Highway E bridge over the Wisconsin River and reviewed consultant pricing after inspectors flagged structural limits.

County Highway Commissioner Nathan said the county had budgeted $75,000 for design work and that the county contacted the top three consultants previously identified for the project. Two firms returned proposals; one consultant declined because of scheduling. Nathan said Permanent Associates provided a proposal of $48,530 and that some additional planning services were not included in any firm’s fee and could raise the total cost once the county determines right-of-way or property needs.

Committee members discussed scheduling and budget impacts and asked staff to clarify scope and any additional costs for right-of-way or permitting work. A motion to approve a contract with Permanent Associates was made during the meeting; the transcript does not record a final vote outcome.

Why it matters: the structure is currently load-posted following a recent inspection and is near the end of its useful life, the committee said, which makes timely design and replacement planning a priority for safe vehicle travel and future project scheduling.

The committee asked staff to confirm outstanding scope items and return with a recommendation that notes any additional costs for planning or property work before a final contract award is recorded.