The Lecompton bridge dispute between Douglas and Jefferson counties is over.

Commissioners from both counties have signed off on the agreement that has Douglas County paying for the bridge repairs, estimated to cost at least $3.3 million. The bridge will be closed an estimated 140 days while those repairs are made.

Jefferson County will not contribute funds for the repairs, but will help pay part of the cost of repainting the bridge superstructure after the repairs are made. Jefferson County had wanted the bridge to remain open during repairs, even though the project would have taken much longer.

Douglas County hopes to put the project up for bid in January.

Commissioners said they hope work can begin in early spring and that it can be completed before the start of school next fall in the Perry-Lecompton school district.

Railroad tracks belonging to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad run under the northern end of the bridge on County Road 1029, which spans the Kansas River.

Permission from the railroad to do the work still must be obtained, County Engineer Keith Browning said.