Bluffton Bridge replacement won't be stopped because of fir trees

Bluffton Bridge

Winneshiek County supervisors heard no objections at a public hearing Monday to a plan to replace the Bluffton Bridge.  County officials were forced to hold the public hearing because a stand of fir trees is part of the property that will be used to build the new bridge.

But bridge neighbor Steve White pointed out that the trees in question are one mile away from where the new bridge will be built.  "I don't see where you should have a problem," he said.

County officials are trying to get all the required paperwork finished so the bridge construction project can be put out for bids as soon as possible.  County Engineer Lee Bjerke said neighbors should not count on the bridge reopening until the end of 2011—but he admitted he's hoping the project can be finished before that.