HAYDEN J EMRAH
WZBD.com
At their April meeting, members of the Adams County Council spoke with County Engineer Nate Rumschlag to ask for the go ahead on the purchase of a trailer-mounted air compressor, as well as related materials, for the use in maintenance and upkeep of bridges around Adams County.
The air compressor, which will be purchased along with a spray bar and sealant chemical, will, in total, cost between $30,000-$35,000 of the highway department’s funds. The compressor will be used to help clear debris buildup on the bridges. The spray bar will be used to spray a sealant on concrete bridges that still need this coating, which accounts for 60%–around 100 bridges–within the county. The sealant will bond with the concrete, and help prevent long-term water and salt damage.
“It’s a very low-cost insurance policy for us, and if I can take a $700,000 bridge and add a year to its life cycle, from 50 to 51, I mean you’re talking about a seven thousand dollar per year of savings. So, it’s pretty significant, trying to extend those [life cycles],” spoke County Engineer Nate Rumschlag on the matter.
With all the included materials and labor, it will cost the county approximately $400 for each bridge to receive this new coat, which Rumschlag added far outbids any private contractor for the same service. The added sealant coating is expected to increase the longevity of the bridges by an estimated 12 years, ultimately saving Adams County costs on replacements in the long run.
The council agreed on the benefits of the investment, however didn’t need to approve anything as it was a transfer of already allocated funds and not an appropriation. Rumschlag simply wanted to inform the council on his plans and receive input on the matter.