The Neosho River bridge at the west edge of Humboldt will be closed to traffic for a few hours soon so engineers can do extensive testing to determine its worthiness to carry day-to-day traffic.
Mitch Garner, director of Public Works, told Allen County commissioners Tuesday morning preliminary examinations of the bridges structure had occurred, but an in-depth study is needed before decisions are made on whether to effect repairs or replace the span.
The bridge opened in 1932, with construction by J.S. Vance and Son, Parsons. Its design is of the Marsh Engineering firm, Des Moines, Ia., which makes it somewhat unique.
A handful of Marsh Arch bridges were built in Kansas, including one at the west edge of Iola, replaced with a modern span a few years ago. That also occurred with one of the Marsh bridges over Coal Creek, just southeast of Monarch Cement Companys plant at Humboldt, then carrying highway traffic that later was diverted to a structure built through the center of Monarchs original rock quarry.
Garner said he was unsure when Humboldts Neosho River bridge would be closed.
Commissioners have said if the bridge begs replacement they might keep the historic span in place for its historical value and build anew beside it. That decision will be made when more information is available.
Commissioner John Brocker asked Garner to provide commissioners a weekly update on road and bridge maintenance activities. Ive had several calls from people ask me what you (the department) are doing, he said.
Garner replied that his employees are mowing and spraying weeds and grass along county roads and trimming trees and brush duties they assume each and every summer.
Sheriff Bryan Murphy told commissioners an issue is brewing within the 31st Judicial District, composed of Allen, Woodson, Wilson and Neosho counties.
Neosho County commissioners are given the task of appointing a district coroner Dr. Scott Coates, a Chanute surgeon and deputy coroners, of which there are three, all associated with Countryside Mortuary in Fredonia.
When an autopsy is ordered, all are done in Wichita, where a forensics pathologist accepts bodies only during daily working hours, Murphy said, which leads to the deputy coroners depositing corpses at Countryside when their transport is delayed. That leaves other funeral homes on the outside looking in, not sharing in body-storage revenue, he said.
The issue may solve itself, Murphy added, in that Coates has indicated the current roster of deputy coroners is temporary and a more comprehensive plan is being considered. However, I wanted you (Allen commissioners) to know what was going on.
