The Huntersville Road bridge just south of State Road 46 probably will be replaced this summer.

Photos of the bridge covered with creek water during the Aug. 4, 2009, flooding "were a little concerning," Mayor Rick Fledderman told the Batesville City Council March 8.

When he and Franklin County Commissioner Don Vonder Meulen looked at the county bridge and culvert inventory list, that one wasn't listed, probably because the 17.5-foot-long structure is shorter than the 20-foot bridge definition.

City and county officials each assumed the other entity was responsible for maintenance. “It just fell through the cracks,” the mayor said.

They decided to partner on an inspection by Drew Barth, president of Howard Barth & Associates, Greensburg.

He reported, “It's in very poor shape” with mortar and stones missing. I-beams are deteriorating. Abutments are still vertical, but after the winter thaw, he said city street employees should check to see if they are leaning. The engineer warned, “If a lot of water moves down that stream, debris could get lodged in the area of missing stone and dislodge more. If the structure is going to remain in place, I'd recommend additional testing.”

He suggested a 7-ton weight restriction. Because Batesville Community School Corp. buses travel across the bridge each schoolday, transportation and safety director Ed Krause had the buses weighed by Roman Nobbe Inc.

“That structure is so short only one axle of the bus is on it at a time,” Krause explained. Just two rear engine transit-style buses (Nos. 20 and 21) exceed the axle weight limit when filled with students. They were rerouted in the mornings on Columbus Avenue west to S.R. 46.

Fire Chief Todd Schutte said fire trucks are heavier than 7 tons.

Barth said it would cost about the same to repair or replace the structure and recommended the latter. Either a cast iron, prestressed concrete or precast concrete arch bridge will be constructed, costing between $424,000 and $441,000. It will be able to handle vehicles weighing 25 tons.

The engineer anticipated a lower cost this summer. "Contractors are really hungry for work right now."

The mayor observed, “It's very important to our schools" to have that bridge. He said dollars could come from the rainy day fund, which brought laughter, or one of several street funds, which may delay some road repairs. Fledderman also will explore whether the bridge replacement could qualify for a disaster loan. “That would sure help decrease" the cost.

Barth said because of its size, Franklin County is not eligible for any type of bridge funds, either federal or local.

Council President Herman “Ham” Struewing said, “We've certainly got the most to gain or the most to lose if there's a terrible accident. We've got a moral responsibility. I believe the citizens of Batesville will say certainly we have to find some money" to replace it.

Member Bob “Tuba” Narwold asked if the new bridge’s wider span would increase the flow of creek water during torrential rains. “Yes,” Barth answered. “It's going to relieve some flooding upstream,” but even if there’s more water downstream, he said it won't flow outside of current flood boundaries.

The council decided to pay for up to 50 percent of the project, sharing the expense with Franklin County.

Once replaced, the bridge’s span will be close to 30 feet and its maintenance will become the county’s responsibility, according to the mayor.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.