BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: Three month long project starts today

October 1, 2012

COLUMBIA CITY — The final plans on a bridge replacement project are in, set to begin today on 700 S, with an estimated cost of $165,045.
“The length of the new bridge will be 36 feet and 32 feet, respectively,” said Whitley County Engineer Brandon Forrester.
According to Forrester, the new structure will be a concrete slab bridge that will allow free flow through the ditch under the road.
The existing structure, located at CR 700 E between county roads 900 S and 1000 S, is known as a twin culvert since it does not span 20 feet in length, the requirement for it to qualify as a bridge.
According to Forrester, the existing culverts, which are roughly 30 years old, are deteriorating due to age and hydraulic problems that often occur from twin pipes.
The project is estimated to take up to three months.