HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission approved the resolutions for replacing the 43rd Avenue bridge just east of Old K-61 Highway Tuesday. Another bridge over the Arkansas River, along Nickerson Road south of Nickerson, is also included in this bond issue.

The county will use bond financing to cover the cost of the work. The county will finance $6.2 million using general obligation temporary notes for the two projects.

The total cost of the two projects is estimated now at $5,901,485. The additional amount with the bonds is for any added cost that might arise.

The county is able to move forward with the 43rd Avenue project after reaching an agreement with Union Pacific and will pay the sum of $1,000 for temporary access onto railroad property 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.

Because the bridge work on Nickerson Road is also included in the bond issue, it has also been on hold.

County Administrator Gary Meagher indicated that work could begin in February or March of 2020.