BEDFORD – The Lawrence County Commissioners took a significant step on Tuesday toward replacing Bridge 172 on Cement Plant Road, a project officials say is critical for public safety and emergency response. The bridge, which crosses Leatherwood Creek, has been out of commission, forcing emergency vehicles to take lengthy detours.
Officials emphasized the urgent need for the new bridge, noting that the closure could lead to dangerous delays for emergency responders, particularly in the event of an incident at the nearby Virgil I. Grissom Municipal Airport.
The project, which is federally funded, is estimated to cost $305,023.30 and will include replacing the existing structure and realigning the road.
During the meeting, the commissioners voted to approve the condemnation of the right-of-way for the project. Highway Superintendent Brian Sowder explained that once this action is completed, it will pave the way for the final construction inspection, a necessary step for projects using federal funds, before work can begin.
Paving and Other Bridge Repairs Underway
In other news, Sowder provided updates on several other county road and bridge projects. Bridge 107 over Spring Creek on Armstrong Station Road has been repaired and is scheduled to reopen, hopefully on Friday, after a final inspection. Due to its age, the bridge will maintain a 5-ton weight limit.
Paving crews are also busy throughout the county. Stonington Road was paved on Monday, and crews are working in the Glenview Addition today. On Wednesday, the Leatherwood Creek Addition will be paved, and on Friday, crews will pave Maul Ridge Road from Tripleton Pike to Old Farm Road.
Next week, two large culvert replacements are planned on Elkins Road. A culvert will be replaced at 503 Elkins Road on Tuesday and another at 621 Elkins Road on Thursday. Both locations will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We cannot do projects without closing the roads,” Commissioner Fish said, adding that the goal is to complete most projects within a single day to minimize inconvenience for residents.
