CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council raided its bridge repair fund Wednesday to repave pothole-laden county roads.

The council voted unanimously this week to appropriate $500,000 to resurface county roads, which Marcus Malczewski, Lake County Highway Department superintendent, said "are in the worst shape that I've every seen."

He said the money will help to pave between two and three miles of road in addition to the schedule of repavement already funded this summer.

Lake County Councilman Larry Blanchard, R-Crown Point, said the money will be moved from a fund normally earmarked for future bridge repair.

A Times analysis of federal inspection records last summer indicated that most of the more than 750 bridges in Lake and Porter counties meet national safety standards, but a third still need some repair or are nearing the end of useful life spans.

Blanchard said there is plenty of money to ensure work will continue on bridge renovations.