The contracts herein provided for may stipulate that the county shall pay a certain part or portion of the whole contract price or cost of the work, including damages, or may stipulate that the county shall construct or pay for the construction of a certain part or portion of the work, and may otherwise provide for the payment of the damages. The amount to be paid by the county shall be paid directly to the contractor, as may be provided by the contract. The agreements may also provide for the maintenance of the viaducts and bridges after their erection.
16 P.S. § 5854