Winnebago County Approves 2026-2030 Five Year Construction Program

On Tuesday, April 15th, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors approved the 2026-2030 County Five Year Program (CFYP), which outlines the road and bridge construction projects planned for the next five years. The plan include 12 bridge replacements and 17.5 miles of resurfacing and leaves funding sources in strong positions.

What It Is

The CFYP is a plan for large-scale construction projects over the ensuing five year period. Construction projects primarily include pavement resurfacing and replacement of bridges, in this case with pipe or box culverts. The plan is necessary to procure and program funding necessary to complete the projects. It also provides the foresight necessary to obtain environmental clearances, Iowa DOT approvals, and bring projects to letting, which can take several years. The plan can provide a strong expectation for projects to come in the first 2-3 years, with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th years more likely to be re-prioritized.

A list of projects can be found here.

What It Isn't

The CFYP does not show plannned maintenance projects, such as microsurfacing, fog seals, patching, or thin overlays. It does not show replacement of bridges less than 20 feet in length. It does not show facility improvements. The plan does not guarantee funding, especially in the case of local funds. Every year the plan is re-prioritized and reviewed against probably funding. There may be projects in the plan that are never accomplished.

A map showing planned construction AND maintenance projects can be found here.

Impact and outcomes

The CFYP will shape the condition of the roads and bridges and the solvency of our funding sources in the year 2030. With 147 miles of pavement, 8 miles would need to be resurfaced every year to keep up with deterioration. Since funding only allows a project of that size every 3 or 4 years, more focus has been placed on maintaining and preserving pavements to extend their lifespan. After an intensive bridge replacement program in the 2010's to catch up on failing bridges, more local funding is being redirected to economical pavement surface treatments, such as chip seals, microsurfacing, and fog seals. Under the plan presented, our financial investments fall short of the rate of deterioration, but in 2030, our pavement system will be in good condition with a diversification in age.

Written by:

Scott Meinders

Winnebago County Engineer