State 6‑to‑20‑foot structure inspections prompt township road closures; county warns of future costs

Richland County public works staff told the committee that a state‑led inventory and inspection of 6‑to‑20‑foot water‑crossing structures has entered its inspection phase, and that inspectors have already identified multiple structures so unsafe that county or township roads have been closed.

Why it matters: the state program targets structures that are too small to qualify as bridges but still costly to replace. County staff said the state’s inspection program is revealing long‑overlooked problems on low‑volume township roads; at least five roads have been closed so far while county and township officials evaluate repair or replacement and cost‑share options.

Details from the meeting County staff said the state’s initial inventory is complete and inspectors are now doing field inspections across townships including Forest, Eagle and Westford. Staff told the committee they cannot estimate the full fiscal impact until more inspections are finished but warned of “a good spike” in costs over the next year as townships either pursue county cost‑share programs or absorb repairs themselves.

The county’s cost‑share arrangement, as described by staff, typically involves a 50% cost share with the requesting township for structures that do not meet full bridge standards but require replacement. Staff said they will work with townships on immediate closures and long‑term solutions as inspection results arrive. Estimated counts were not provided beyond the five closures identified during the current inspection phase.

Ending Staff told the committee they expect the inspection phase to continue through the end of the year and will return with more detailed counts and cost estimates as the state completes its inspections. No formal policy or funding decision was made at this meeting.