Smith Creek bridge set for repairs

WELLMAN — The Dogwood Avenue bridge over Smith Creek is set for repairs, with bid letting approved last week by Washington County Supervisors.

County Engineer Jacob Thorius said improvements would bring the bridge up to legal weight standards for the farmers who use it, but not for heavier industrial vehicles.

“We’ll get the bridge entirely legal for posted loads and semi trucks,” he said. “Dump trucks, they’ll have a weight restriction, but for farmers hauling grain it’ll be posted for a legal load.”

After repairs, dump trucks will be limited at 20-ton loads on the bridge according to Thorius, but virtually any other configuration of vehicle could use it carrying the 40-ton legal load set by the state.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com