Adams County Engineer Nate told commissioners Tuesday that several bridges south of State Road 218 are showing significant surface deterioration caused by horse‑and‑buggy traffic, a factor shaping his draft list of 2027 infrastructure projects.
Nate said multiple bridge joints and approaches in that part of the county are being damaged by horseshoes, citing structures numbered 162, 149, 166 and 143. He said the damage is currently limited to the surface but could lead to more costly deck repairs if not addressed soon.
He explained that the draft project list relies on past inspection reports, complaints from residents, observations from highway employees and his own field checks. A full countywide inspection report is still pending and will not be completed in time to influence next year’s budget.
Nate told commissioners there is a noticeable difference in bridge conditions south of 124 and along the Wabash River corridor compared to bridges north of the St. Marys River. He said the concentration of needed work in the southern part of the county reflects the wear patterns he is seeing.
The discussion came as commissioners reviewed long‑term planning for bridge maintenance and as the county faces uncertainty in future road funding. Nate noted that statewide Community Crossings funding for Adams County’s category has dropped sharply and said the governor’s fuel‑tax suspension could reduce local revenue for highway operations.
Commissioners took no action on the project list but said they expect to revisit priorities as budget planning continues.