by April Scheinoha
Reporter
The Pennington County Board has approved a grant agreement for the Kratka bridge. At their meeting Tuesday, Nov. 28, commissioners approved the $1,133,532.25 grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Demolition work began last week on the County State Aid Highway 22 bridge, which is being replaced. Redstone Construction LLC had the low bid of $2,783,327.90. County Engineer Mike Flaagan told commissioners that Redstone started working on the project ahead of schedule.
Bonding proceeds are funding the grant, which has been awarded through the Local Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. State aid funds are expected to cover the remainder of the project, which is set to be completed in July.
County leaders may erect signage for snowmobilers traveling near the Kratka bridge this winter. County Board Chairperson Neil Peterson said, due to a river bend on the east side of the bridge, snowmobilers may not realize work is being completed on the bridge. Flaagan planned to speak with County Sheriff Seth Vettleson as well as other county engineers regarding the matter.
As part of the county’s Five-Year Road and Bridge Plan, the county plans to mill and overlay CSAH 22 from CSAH 3 to Marshall County in 2025.
County Board approved updating the County Road Safety Plan. Federal funds cover 80% of the cost with the county covering the remaining 20% or $26.942.80.
In order to receive federal funds for such safety improvements, the county is required to have this plan. The original plan was crafted in 2013. Using the original plan, for example, county leaders were able to erect intersection lighting and curve signage. Flaagan noted that the plan could include such things as intersection changes, roundabouts, edge-line rumble strips, and signage.