Commissioners OK Lecompton bridge letter

A detailed letter outlining why they think the Lecompton bridge should be closed next year when it undergoes major repairs was approved Wednesday night by the Douglas County Commission.

The letter will be sent to the Jefferson County Commission, which opposes closing the bridge during the repair process.

Douglas County commissioners said they are willing to pay for the entire bridge repair process if Jefferson County decides not to participate in the funding, which could cost more than $3.2 million.

All three Douglas County commissioners signed the letter: Bob Johnson, Charles Jones and Jere McElhaney.

Earlier this year McElhaney voted not to close the bridge. But McElhaney said he would stand with Johnson and Jones now that the decision has been made.