BEDFORD — Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Brian Sowder told the commissions this morning that work will begin toward replacing Bridge 172 on Cement Plant Road, a critical route that has been out of commission and forcing emergency vehicles to take lengthy detours.
The closed bridge, which spans Leatherwood Creek near Bedford, poses significant public safety concerns by delaying emergency response times to the Virgil I. Grissom Municipal Airport.
Backed by an estimated $305,023.30 in federal funding, the upcoming project by CLR Construction entails a full structural replacement and road realignment. Originally built in 1909 as a reinforced concrete girder bridge, the historic structure qualified for the National Register of Historic Places as an early architectural example. While federal officials ultimately prioritized a total replacement, a Section 106 review allowed Lawrence County to seek proposals for salvaging or reusing its historic components.
Highway Department Updates
The Lawrence County Highway Department reported steady progress on area infrastructure improvements, with crews scheduled to finish paving both Oak Street East and Oak Street West today.
Additionally, maintenance crews are preparing the historic Williams Covered Bridge for the upcoming annual “Dinner on the Bridge” event scheduled for Saturday. County workers are currently cleaning the structure and surrounding grounds to welcome attendees to the landmark.
