(KNZA)--Doniphan County Commissioners have given the green light to the repair of a bridge in the southern portion of the county that’s been closed for about two years.

After hearing from a group of landowners, the Commission voted unanimously Monday to approve the repair of the bridge located near the intersection of 105th and Friendship Roads at a cost of nearly $130,000, contingent upon the creek banks being stabilized to prevent future erosion problems.  

Columbus, Nebraska-based Husker Steel will provide the materials for the project, while Norfolk Contracting, of Norfolk, Nebraska will provide the labor.

Dan Schletzbaum, speaking on behalf of the group of fourteen landowners, asked the Commission to consider repair of the bridge.  Schletzbaum said the bridge closure cuts off access for emergency vehicles to residents in the southern portion of Doniphan County along with access to agriculture land.

He said the adjoining landowners would donate rip rap for the project from an adjacent rock ledge in order to stabilize the creek bank.  However, Schletzbaum said the county would be responsible for stripping, blasting and hauling.

County Road Superintendent Bob Edie said he will speak to Independence Township board members to ask for monetary assistance with road rock and rip rap, if necessary.