Bridge replacement plan moves forward

Plans to replace a steel truss bridge south of Lester Prairie that was closed last December are moving ahead.

The County Road 84 bridge can be replaced using mostly township bridge aid from the state, provided both the McLeod County Board and Bergen Town Board sign off on the agreement.

The agreement in question will turn a 4.1-mile stretch of county road back to the township. The county will continue routine maintenance through April 30, 2023. It will also provide the township with $150,000. The money and any interest it accrues will pay for work on the 4.1-mile stretch.

Commissioner Ray Bayerl said the agreement was approved by popular vote in Bergen Township June 12. The vote was 37-22, followed by a 2-1 Town Board vote in favor of the agreement. Next, the County Board will make public notice of the agreement before issuing its final approval at a future meeting. Bidding for the project could open by late July or early August.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)