BEDFORD — Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Brian Sowder has provided an update on ongoing bridge rehabilitation projects and announced a series of paving projects scheduled throughout the county during the second half of July.
Sowder said work on the bridge decks at Stars Boulevard and Boone Hollow Road is entering its final phase.
The last step before the bridges reopen is the installation of grooves in the new bridge decks. The grooves improve traction for motorists and help channel water off the bridge surface. Once the grooving is complete, the bridges will undergo a final inspection before reopening to traffic.
Sowder acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closures but said maintaining bridges is essential to preserving the county’s infrastructure.
“Maintaining bridges is very important,” Sowder said. “It is cheaper to keep bridges maintained and in good working condition. Repairing and maintaining bridges is a cost-saving effort compared to replacing a bridge.”
He also said he understands residents’ concerns with the extended closures and expects both bridges to be reopened before the start of the upcoming school year.
The Lawrence County Highway Department has also announced the following paving schedule, weather permitting.
Community Crossings paving projects
- July 20-21: Soeboldt Quarry Road, from Old State Road 37 to Harrodsburg Road.
- July 22-27: Stumphole Bridge Road, from U.S. 50 to State Road 450. The paving portion of the project is expected to take approximately four days to complete.
- July 28-29: West Powerline Road, from State Road 446 to State Road 58.
Local paving projects
- July 20: East Grissom Road.
- July 21: Rager Road.
- July 22: Old U.S. Highway 50 East, beginning at U.S. 50 and extending approximately 1.5 miles toward the bridge.
- July 22: Red Crane Road, from Pinhook Road to the bridge.
- July 23: Grinstone Hollow Road, from Leesville Road to the dead end.
Sowder said paving crews plan to begin work each day around 6 a.m. and continue until the day’s scheduled work is completed.
Motorists should expect temporary delays, use caution when traveling through active work zones, and follow the directions of flaggers and posted traffic control signs. All paving dates and schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
