HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission entered into a real estate agreement Tuesday with Union Pacific Railroad for the replacement of the 43rd Avenue bridge over tracks just east of Old K-61 Highway. The signing of the agreement means the project can begin in the near future.

“The county will pay the Union Pacific Railroad the sum of $1,000 for this temporary access and the temporary rights will be in effect at the date of the agreement,” Don Brittain, Public Works superintendent, said. This agreement allows the county rights onto the railroad property for .12 acres for 24 months or until the project is completed.

The bridge has been in failing condition for several years and was closed, forcing Buhler school buses to find a different route to Prairie Hills Middle School.

The other bridge that would be included in the bond issue is the Nickerson Road bridge over the Arkansas River, south of Nickerson. Because this bridge is included on a bond issue, that project has been on hold.

The cost for work on these two bridges is now estimated at $5,503,410. However, the county is seeking dollars from the state for the 43rd Avenue bridge project.