Delaware County commissioners approved a $690,459, four-year contract (20262029) with Lochmuller Group on Nov. 17 to perform federally required inspections of the county's 197 bridges.

Michael Vera, a civil/structural engineer with Lochmuller, told the commission the contract continues an existing inspection program and covers routine biennial inspections for every bridge meeting federal span thresholds (20 feet or greater), additional intermediate inspections for poor-condition structures or bridges undergoing rehabilitation, and specialized underwater and fracture-critical inspections as required. Vera explained that inspection work is standard across counties and that all qualified inspectors receive standardized training and state certification for team leaders and inspection team members.

County staff and Lochmuller noted the work receives approximately 80% federal funding with 20% local match. Commissioners asked whether timber bridges could be prioritized; Lochmuller said inspections must occur within the statutory cadence (inspections typically performed in October-November and within 24 months of prior inspections), and teams will follow the established sequence to ensure compliance.

The commission moved and approved the contract on roll call. Staff said ECIRPD is pursuing a separate grant for small-structure and culvert inspections that are not federally regulated to the same cadence.