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The list of bridges in Chisago County that might qualify for a pool of state bridge replacement funding has grown. The County Engineer added seven bridges to the previous list of three timber bridges that need replacement, and the list was approved by the County Board. Project dates could begin as early as next year, but some are listed for work in year 2014.

Engineer Joe Triplett said the county has a unique chance to take advantage of state funding, and he's recommending bridges with "sufficiency ratings" of 80 or less. In Minnesota bridges with spans of 10 feet and greater are inspected and inventoried. The county receives a sufficiency rating for its inspected bridges. The formula goes from zero to 100. A bridge with a rating of 80 or less is eligible for rehabilitation funding. The formula includes bridge geometry, structural condition, traffic count and type and other factors.

By tapping into the state legislature's $67 million bridge account appropriated in the last session-- Triplett says Chisago County could replace bridges needing attention for about 30 cents on every dollar of the project expenses.

If all 10 bridges were done, Chisago County would only have bridges at 80 and higher sufficiency ratings. The engineer said the list allows him to put together plans and apply for money. The county will have to budget to support any projects approved by MnDOT.

The newly expanded "Master List" that Triplett worked to create to obtain state aid, was expanded from the original three timber bridges accepted a couple months ago, (County Road 57, CSAH 8 and CSAH 19), to include:

County Road 67, rated 23.7

CSAH 30 rated 66.2

CSAH 15 rated 66.7

CSAH 3 rated 67.7

County Road 81 rated 72.3

CSAH 20 rated 73.2 and CSAH 9

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