BEDFORD – Lawrence County Commissioners heard concerns Tuesday morning regarding an upcoming bridge replacement project on Cement Plant Road over Leatherwood Creek. While the project aims to improve infrastructure, the current plan has drawn criticism from nearby residents.
Work on Bridge 172 is slated to begin soon. Crews will replace the existing structure and realign the road for $305,023.30. The project is federally funded.
This reinforced concrete girder bridge was constructed in 1909.
Lawrence County Commissioners emphasized the critical need for replacing Bridge 172, stating that the current out-of-commission structure causes significant delays for emergency responders. Officials highlighted that emergency vehicles are forced to take lengthy detours, wasting valuable time when every second counts. They pointed out that in an emergency at the Virgil I. Grissom Municipal Airport, the bridge’s closure could lead to unacceptable delays in response times.
However, the proposed design has raised objections from residents in the immediate vicinity. Brandon Wires addressed the commissioners during their Tuesday morning meeting, voicing several concerns about the project’s impact.
“I understand this has been going on for 30 plus years,” Wires stated. “About five years ago, we heard the county was going to build a new bridge downstream from the current bridge. Three weeks ago, flags were placed in the area. We were never notified of the major plan change.”
Wires outlined a list of reasons why he believes the current plan should be reconsidered. “One of my neighbors is going to lose most of his backyard,” Wires explained. He further detailed concerns, including the potential destruction of the creek view from his neighbor’s house, a strain on home values, and worries about the neighbor’s septic system.
Environmental concerns were also raised. “The sunfish spawn in the area, and that will be disrupted,” Wires noted. He feared the guardrail plan’s safety, potential noise and headlight pollution, and floodplain implications.
In concluding his remarks, Wires directly requested the commissioners: “I ask you to take another look at this plan and move the bridge to the west. “
Despite Wires’ detailed concerns, the Lawrence County Commissioners did not offer any immediate comments or responses during the meeting. The project is expected to move forward as planned.
