Work to open Blue River Road just west of Morristown will begin as soon as materials are available.

The Shelby County Commissioners have voted to approve emergency repairs to the road just north of U.S. 52.

Highway Superintendent Kem Anderson told the commissioners at their meeting on Monday that a backup in nearby drainage culvert had washed out the road.

They've located a pipe to fix the problem and work will begin as soon as they get it, Anderson said.

In other matters, the commissioners approved a contract to repair Bridge 11, as part of the county's on-going bridge maintenance program.

Mike Obergfell, a vice president with USI Consultants Inc., the county's engineering advisor on the bridge program, said the winning bid was under the estimate.

“First of all, our estimate was $266,463.49. Their's was $6,000 below that. All the numbers are pretty good; one's a little high, but they're all right there. Everything looks in order. All the bid prices and totals add up. I think you have both agendas in the agreement, or in the packet. I would recommend awarding the project to Trisler Construction,” he said.

The company's bid price was $258,679. Bridge 11 is located on County Road 800 North, a short distance west of County Road 325 West. The concrete span was built in 1930.

Also, the commissioners approved updates to the county's planning ordinances regulating small cell towers, and allowing construction of larger-sized pole barns.

The board renewed a 5-year agreement with the Shelby County Fair Board of Directors regarding management of the county-owned fairgrounds.

And the commissioners approved a proclamation presented by Kim Koehl, executive director of Shelby Senior Services (pictured), declaring that May is “Older Americans Awareness Month” in Shelby County.