Washington County Supervisors approve $10 million bridge replacement agreement

WASHINGTON — Washington County supervisors took a step toward replacing a key rural bridge Tuesday, Nov. 25, voting to approve a federal-aid agreement that commits up to $10 million in Highway Bridge Program funding for a new structure on County Highway W21 over the Skunk River.

The action positions the county to move a long-planned project into formal development and eventually to construction.

Supervisors advanced the agreement after a county representative noted that the Iowa DOT lists the project’s eligible construction cost at $10 million in the federal-aid agreement. The representative described that figure as the “absolute worst-case scenario” and said county estimates place the cost closer to $9 million. Supervisors then voted 5—0 to approve the agreement and authorize the board chair to sign it.

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The bridge, listed as Federal Highway Administration Structure No. 336060, sits on W21 where it crosses the Skunk River on Dogwood Avenue. The DOT agreement identifies the structure for full replacement, including the bridge itself and the grading or paving needed to tie the new structure into the existing roadway. By approving the agreement, the county formally enters the project into the state — federal system that governs bridge replacements on public roads.

The deal outlines 100% of eligible construction funds shall be paid from the County Highway Bridge Program, which are federal dollars. While those dollars will cover construction inside the DOT-defined project limits, the county must pay for items outside those boundaries, including administrative work, environmental reviews, right of way actions, and utility relocation.

By signing on, the county also agrees to adhere to federal design and construction standards, follow environmental procedures, and coordinate all permitting required by state and federal agencies. The DOT document spells out these responsibilities in detail, from the preparation of design plans to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, civil rights regulations, and materials testing requirements.

Tuesday’s decision also sets the clock on a three-year timeline: the county must put the project out for bids through the DOT within that window or risk losing access to the federal funds unless it requests and receives an extension. The timeline ensures the project proceeds without long delays and signals that the county intends to move it forward in the near-to-mid term.

Although supervisors spent little time discussing the bridge Tuesday, the approval marks a meaningful step in addressing aging transportation infrastructure across rural Washington County. The W21 corridor carries local traffic, farm equipment, and commercial vehicles, and the Skunk River crossing represents a critical link for residents who rely on the route for daily travel. County long-range plans have identified the bridge for work, and its eligibility under the federal program created an opportunity to advance the replacement with minimal local construction cost.

The agreement now shifts the county’s focus to design, environmental review, and coordination with state officials. Once those steps are complete, the county can advance the project to bidding and construction, with federal dollars available to reimburse eligible costs as work progresses.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com