A before and after of the Fox Bridge in Cowley County. County commissioners will consider the approval of a project agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation Tuesday night for the replacement of an the bridge. (Courtesy photos)
Cowley County commissioners will consider the approval of a project agreement Tuesday night with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the replacement of an iconic bridge in the county.
The former Fox stone bridge spanned Grouse Creek for 105 years before it was washed away due to floodwaters in October 2016.
At the time, Cowley County’s website stated there were only 1,700 stone arch bridges remaining in the United States with more than 18 historical bridges across Cowley County.
The bridge, first constructed in 1910, was on 62nd Road, east of 281st Road.
According to the county commission’s agenda packet for the meeting, it was submitted last year and accepted by KDOT for replacement as a state project to be completed in 2020. The county will be responsible for 100 percent of design costs — estimated at $70,000 — any right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and any non-participating cost.
Inspection and construction costs will be split 80-20 percent, up to $1 million, and are estimated at $1.1 million. With design costs and the county’s 20 percent of construction/inspection costs, county officials estimate the the county will be responsible for $300,000.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. inside the 1st Floor Assembly Room at the Cowley County Courthouse in Winfield.
