A new bridge over Owl Creek three miles west of Humboldt is expected to be open by early spring, provided weather remains conducive for construction work the next several months. COMMISSIONERS approved a contract with Iola Glass to replace 298 windows in the courthouse, which have been there since the building opened 60 years ago.
Forms for part of the span’s deck are in place and some concrete work has been done.
The new bridge will replace a 63-foot-long iron bridge that had been in place since 1909. Earlier this year it was moved to the south edge of Iola, where it eventually will become part of an extension of the Southwind Rail Trail. Thrive Allen County was awarded a $100,000 Healthy Living Grant by the Kansas Health Foundation to develop the new hiking and biking trail in wooded areas near the old Lehigh Cement plant.
Bill King, director of Public Works, told Allen County commissioners Tuesday the Owl Creek bridge was “coming along well.”
The bridge is being constructed by B & B Bridge, a division of Beachner Construction, St. Paul. King said cost, including $100,000 for utility right-of-way acquisition and work, will be about $521,000. Allen County is responsible for $204,000; the remainder is from a Kansas Department of Transportation grant.
Iola Glass’ bid of $113,936.70 was the lower of two by $8,000.
King announced a shared equipment agreement had been signed with Iola. The county has similar agreements with Woodson and Anderson counties. Additional agreements will be proposed for Humboldt and Moran.
Owl Creek bridge to open in spring
