Nebraska-based Kirkham Michael Engineering has been contracted by the Cowley County commission to begin prep work for the eventual removal of the defunct West Chestnut Bridge in Ark City.
Commissioners this week approved a $28,000 contract for design and engineering work on the bridge. It closed in the late 1990s and has fallen into a state of disrepair.
County administrator Lucas Goff said the demolition project is expected to be completed for under $200,000. The actual demolition work could go out for bid once Kirkham Michael’s work is complete.
At this point there is no timeline for completion of removal.
Asked about the reason for moving forward with the project, Goff said this in a written reply:
“The bridge holds no value for transportation or utility support since the city has discontinued the use of the water lines. It also holds liability and the board has (heard) public concerns for safety and issues from misuse of the bridge. The bridge is currently closed to the public and has been for many years since it was closed in the late nineties.”
