The LaSalle County Board approved several County Highway items on Oct. 9, including bridge-aid petitions, a professional services agreement for a small bridge replacement, and an amendment for federal participation on a slope-restoration project.

The highway committee presented 11 petitions from townships seeking bridge aid for timber pile repairs, replacements and engineering on county structures. County staff reported a tabulation of projects totaling $651,120; the cost will be split 50/50 between LaSalle County and the participating townships. Specific projects listed included timber pile repairs and engineering phases for bridge replacements in Demick, Eagle, Eaton, Farm Ridge, Grand Rapids, Groveland, Meridian, Beaufort and Sage townships.

The board approved Resolution 25-22 to enter a professional-services agreement with Chamlin & Associates, Inc. for phase 1 and 2 engineering to remove and replace structure SN 050-5230 on County Highway 34 (DeBennett Road) with an upper compensation limit of $114,600, to be paid from the County Highway Fund. The presenter described the structure as a small bridge/box culvert next to the marina with the south head wall crumbling and water depth approaching seven feet; replacement will enlarge and elevate the structure.

The board also approved Resolution 25-23 (highway) amending a local agency agreement for federal participation for the permanent restoration of Sandy Cosgrove Road (North 2550 First Road/FAU 6118 Sandy Cosgrove Road) for Preliminary Engineering Phase 2. The estimated cost of Preliminary Engineering 2 is $72,907, to be funded with emergency relief funds and local funds; the county must enter a federal participation agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Board materials noted IDOT concurrence and that the county would pass a supplemental resolution if additional funds are needed.

All three measures were approved by voice/roll-call; the bridge-aid projects and Chamlin contract were adopted with motion and roll call and recorded as motion carried.