By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The 12th Street Bridge in Hays is expected to be replaced as O'Loughlin Elementary prepares to open a new drop-off and pick-up entrance nearby.
The Ellis County Commission discussed the bridge’s future at Tuesday’s meeting. County Administrator Darin Myers said the initial plan was to close the bridge to help secure a grant, but updated school traffic plans now direct traffic onto 12th Street.
This raised concerns about higher traffic volumes, prompting the commission to shift its focus towards replacement options and working with the city of Hays on traffic planning.
"It's going to have to become a priority, and we're going to have to rework that. I don't want a failure with a bunch of families crossing that," Ellis County Commissioner Nathan Leiker said.
The bridge is narrow, without sidewalks and has structural problems, such as concrete damage and moisture seepage. Myers said action will be needed within the next 10 years, including larger and deeper pilings for replacement.
"However, if this traffic load increases by 30% to 50%, 10 years is going to become five years," Myers said.
Myers said the current traffic study is outdated, but recent data show that about 336 vehicles cross the 12th Street Bridge daily.
"We're going to get this traffic study updated and see what options we have as part of these meetings between the city, the county and the school to come up with a good solution," Myers said.
USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson and O'Loughlin Elementary Principal Rene Burns spoke at the commission meeting with Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay.
Burns said the congestion on Hall Street creates a dangerous situation with vehicles and students crossing. As for the bridge, she does not anticipate increased pedestrian or bicycle traffic.
"That's too far for any students to be going through there. I don't anticipate any of our families crossing by foot or bike," she said.
Mackay and Myers said pedestrians continue to use the bridge despite expectations, and the bridge will need a complete replacement, which could cost between $3 million and $5 million.
Wilson said while an entrance will remain on the front side of O'Loughlin along Hall Street, most students and families will use the new drive access. Pick-up and drop-off will continue on school grounds, not on 12th Street.
Wilson said the new entrance is expected to be ready by August 2026, although construction could be completed earlier.
