Webster County Supervisors on Tuesday opened construction bids for five projects, authorized the Secondary Road Department’s five-year construction plan and approved two new truck purchases.

The projects for construction pre-cast reinforced concrete box culverts, which serve drainage functions to allow water to go under roads, were bundled in sets of two and three.

They will be brought in on semi-trucks, already pre-built, and set in place by cranes, said County Engineer Jamie Johll.

Out of four contractors who submitted bids, Peterson Contractors Inc., Reinbeck, submitted the lowest by far for both bundles, undercutting the next highest competitor’s bid by $91,000 on one set and $122,000 on the other.

Bids opened on the first set of projects covers locations on:

• 150th Street, approximately 1,800 feet east of Baxter Avenue.

• 140th Street approximately 4,500 feet east of Paragon Avenue.

• 340th Street, approximately 4,700 feet east and 1,600 south of Vasse Avenue.

Bids received for this project were:

• Peterson Contractors, Inc: $362,459.50

• Progressive Structures, Elkader $453,863.

• Rognes Bros. Excavating, Lake Mills: $482,109.75.

• Midwest Contracting, DeWitt: $488,271.

The second set of projects covers locations on:

• Hayes Avenue, approximately 3,200 feet south of 290th Street.

• 260th Street, approximately 1,400 feet east of Dakota Avenue.

Bids received for this project were:

• Peterson Contractors, Inc.: $251,490.50.

• Midwest Contracting: $373,684.

• Rognes Bros. Excavating: $381,470.25.

• Progressive Structures: $397,760.

Johll will analyze the bids and come back with an official recommendation for supervisors at their next meeting.

Supervisors approved the purchase of two dump trucks and snow equipment to replace parts of the county’s existing fleet. The purchase of the two tandem axle trucks with accessories from Rees Truck & Trailer Inc., of Fort Dodge, totals $258,746. The purchase price is a bid from four years ago that the dealer has continued to honor, Johll said.

Supervisors also approved the Secondary Roads Department’s five-year construction plan for fiscal years 2021-2025. The plan includes 64 projects, with 18 next year. The majority of projects are varying types of bridge replacements, with some grading and resurfacing projects as well.