With two historic covered bridges on the verge of ruin, Lane County commissioners have taken an initial step to preserve them.
The county will allow an emergency selection process for the engineering, construction and other professional services to make repairs and stabilize Currin and Stewart covered bridges, the commissioners decided Tuesday, April 28. The move allows the county to move more quickly to pick a contractor, without the typical competitive bidding process, to make repairs to the bridges. The vote was unanimous, with Commissioner Pat Farr out for an excused absence.
The need for quick action is important, officials said, because the summer construction season is approaching and the bridges raise safety concerns and could potentially collapse, another financial risk. Both bridges are near Cottage Grove…