Counties across Nebraska vouching for federal grant to replace worn out bridges

CLATONIA, Neb. (KLKN) – Across Gage County and much of rural Nebraska, aging bridges are a growing concern.

Many are decades past their intended lifespan, forcing local leaders to look for solutions.

“It’s obviously a big tax burden on any constituent when the bridges, to replace them are about three million dollars,” said Emily Haxby, Gage County District 2 Supervisor.

Gage County is working together with Saline, Pawnee, Hall and five other counties to apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bridge Investment Program.

“By applying with other counties, we are hoping to show collaboration throughout the state of Nebraska,” Haxby said. “We’re working with the infrastructure hub which is led by NDOT. It’s something they put together to help counties like us work and apply for these bigger federal grants cause there are a lot of pieces that go into putting these grants together.”

One of those bridges in need of being replaced is just south of the village of Clatonia.

Haxby said surrounding home owners, farmers and agricultural operations will suffer if the bridge is not fixed.

But she said the biggest issue is the weight restriction and the effects it has on first responders.

“Especially in the rural areas, every minute counts with response time” she said. “So it’s really important that we try to go after these funds to replace these bridges to make sure that they’re not weight restricted and we can get these response units to our rural residences as quickly as possible.”

Photos taken by the Gage County Highway Department show holes, cracks and rusted parts on the bridge that are in desperate need of being replaced.

Gage County Highway Superintendent, Mark Kehnke, said they’re constantly adding small fixes over time, but the process won’t last forever.

“We have to baby it, baby the bridge to make sure that it’s going to stay open for traffic,” he said. “Crews are out here constantly checking on the repairs, making sure the bridge isn’t moving, additional holes haven’t been created in the floor, and so on.”

The county is asking for the public’s input on their application.