BLUE EARTH — Faribault County commissioners have received some good news regarding bridges in the county.

Two months ago, Mark Daly, the county’s Public Works director, informed the board that seven bridges would be going from legal weights, which they had been for the last 30 years, down to 3 or 6-ton maximum capacity.

After receiving the initial report, which was conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, it was decided to get a second opinion.

“We hired a separate engineer, a gentleman I have known for over 20 years, who designs bridges and is one of the best engineers in the state, and he has the respect of MnDOT,” Daly explained.

Following the new inspection, two of the seven bridges will still be posted at 3 tons, Daly said. One of the bridges is in Jo Daviess Township on 355th Avenue, which is a dead end minimum maintenance road. The other bridge is in Barber Township on 180th Street, which is an undeveloped road. It has a culvert that is in poor condition.

“The good news is the other five bridges will be posted closer to 34 tons, which will allow a semi to legally cross them,” Daly said. “The final report is still being worked on so I cannot tell you the exact number they will be posted at.”

Continuing with transportation business, the board passed a joint powers agreement with the city of Delavan for bituminous road work that will be done on County Road 15, which runs through the city.

Daly presented a county map to the board that outlined the construction and maintenance schedule for the county roads in 2019.

Daly also reported the new grader, sign truck and Bobcat skid steer have arrived.

In other business:

o The board accepted the resignation of John Thompson, County Auditor/Treasurer, effective July 31.

o The board approved Robin Stenzel for a seat on the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment to replace Lola Baxter, who resigned.