BEDFORD — Crews with the Lawrence County Highway Department are staying active across the county, performing essential road maintenance, Highway Superintendent Brian Sowder reported to the Lawrence County Commissioners on Tuesday morning.
Sowder noted that highway crews are currently focused on ditching, clearing roadside brush, replacing road signs, and replacing or repairing culverts to maintain proper drainage and roadway conditions.
In addition to field operations, Sowder is finalizing key administrative requirements. He is currently updating the county’s asset management plan—a requirement mandated by the state—as well as updating the county’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance plan.
Sowder also provided an update on preservation efforts for the historic Williams Covered Bridge, presenting further research regarding fireproofing options for the wooden structure. According to Sowder, CLR is currently the only contractor that performs specialized fireproofing services for timber bridges.
The bridge has not undergone fireproofing treatment in over a decade, a delay Sowder stressed needs to be addressed promptly given that electrical work and security cameras have recently been installed inside the structure.
Lawrence County Auditor Martha Turner informed the board that funds are available in the county’s covered bridge account that could potentially be utilized to cover the cost of the fireproofing project.
