Staff photo by Fritz Busch Mathiowetz Construction workers remove tree debris from under the CR 13 bridge over the Cottonwood River recently with an excavator. Brown County asked nine contractors for project bids but Mathiowetz Construction was the only bidder.

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners learned Tuesday that tons of tree debris was recently removed from underneath the CR 13 bridge south of New Ulm.

In August, Brown County Highway Engineer Wayne Stevens told commissioners summer flooding washed a lot of trees into the Cottonwood River, many of which built up against the bridge.

The county requested quotes to removed debris from nine companies but received only one bid, for $195,375 from Mathiowetz Construction.

Stevens said part of reason for the high cost is hauling in tons of rip rap to build a road to the river to allow workers to safety get an excavator to the debris and move it to shore.

He said the bridge load rating is not high enough to use an excavator from the top of the bridge. None of the contractors asked to do the job were wiling to use a boat to remove debris.

Stevens said the project will be paid with a Federal Highway Emergency Operation (FEMA) and State grants.

Stevens said he preferred getting the debris removed soon because he was concerned about debris piled up against the bridge and ice breaking up next spring that could create more blockage and pressure on the bridge.

Other highway update news included a request from Milford Township officials to consider adding street lights to the CR 11/U.S. Highway 14 intersection.

“That would be a wise move with all the traffic there,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

Stevens said the request will be discussed at the next county highway committee meeting.

County highway maintenance projects underway include grading roads and hauling gravel until freeze up and the third round of ditch mowing.