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When towns have a bridge to repair or replace, like the short span over the Wyland Ditch in Winona Lake, there are some funds available in the county's cumulative bridge account, according to Rob Ladson, county highway engineer.
"The county is responsible for county bridges. Warsaw, Winona Lake and Syracuse were asked to inventory their bridges and the commissioners have made cumulative bridge funds available," Ladson said.
Bridges are defined by the federal government as any structure over a waterway with an opening 20 feet wide or wider. They must be inspected every two years.
Structures like the Wyland ditch, with a 14-foot waterway, are in another class.
Ladson said he has eight three-ring binders full of descriptions of these small structures, over 3 feet to 20 foot-wide waterways
"The county will basically pay for putting in the structure," Ladson said. "Towns have to apply for the funds."
