(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing Tuesday to receive comments on a proposal to close a bridge and right-of-way west of the intersection of 706 Road and 648 Avenue which is a minimum maintenance road south of Highway 8 and about halfway between Falls City and Salem. 

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. said the bridge has been closed to traffic because it is unsafe for any type of vehicle to use it.  The bridge pilings have been burnt out.  

Earl Schawang and Dennis Meyer asked questions about who would bore the cost of removing the bridge since it was once a State of Nebraska bridge.  Darveau explained that once the state abandoned a plan for that road and bridge to part of the highway, the bridge ownership went to Richardson County and has been that way for more than 35 years. The County will absorb the cost of removing the bridge.  The road will remain open.

The Board is expected to take action on whether or not to approve the removal of the bridge during their June 22 meeting.