Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approves bridge project funding

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement to allow the county to participate in a state program that helps pay for bridge repair projects.

Under the program, the state would cover 55% of the cost, and the county would cover the remainder.

Currently, two bridges meet specific safety and condition standards: Firth at Hickman branch and Raymond at Little Salt Creek.

But counties must apply and comply with state rules to receive that money.

“We’ve been fortunate to receive funding from this program many times. Bridge Act 84 is one of 5 bridges on our system rated poor by the way, that’s down from 32 poor-rated bridges in the last decade,” said Pam Dingman, the county engineer.

With this agreement now approved, Lancaster County can move forward with planning future bridge projects aimed at keeping roads safe and open for the public.

“What we’ve always seen in the past, I don’t know, 5-10 years, is a generational refresh of bridge and road construction in this county, it’s not a small thing,” said Sean Flowerday, Lancaster County board member.