OTTAWA — County commissioners will take another lap next week over Commissioner Don Stottlemire’s request to install guard rails along Vermont Road along a hill near a new bridge over the Marais des Cygnes River near Rantoul. Stottlemire said he’s received several complaints from motorists since the bridge project was completed. The project is virtually done, but will be closed briefly to allow the contractor replace the temporary pavement on the bridge deck. Public works director Jim Haag said the project included adding shoulders and reworking the approaches to bridge that eliminated the need for the guard rails that were originally in place along the road. Most of the project was paid with state and federal grants. If the county were to re-install the guard rails, the county would have to pay the entire $104,000 cost. However, during Monday’s commission meeting, Stottlemire disagreed with the estimate. He said that the estimate contains more guard rail that necessary and that the cost can be trimmed. Other commissioners appeared skeptical.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 4 p.m.
