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Blackford bridge receives grant
by Gwen Bolin--gbolin@journalenterprise.com
Two years ago, Brenton “Danny” Witherspoon became distraught when he learned the historic Blackford railroad bridge was destined to become rubble. During extensive research, he found the bridge was historically significant. In 1914, an act of Congress determined the bridge should be updated as a vital connection to the Blackford community of nearly 1,500. In 1923, the construction was completed. Although the bridge, originally built in 1886, hasn’t been used by the railroad since the mid 1990s, Witherspoon saw the structure as a potential link to Crittenden County and nearby emergency services. According to Witherspoon, Marion is a 23 mile drive by current methods. Utilizing the bridge would cut the mileage in half. Through the years, many efforts on behalf of the citizens of the once prosperous community to have a means to traverse the Tradewater River was unanswered. After untold hours of collecting signatures and writing letters to state elected officials to save the bridge, Webster County Fiscal Court joined in the fight. An estimated $730,000 would be required to complete the project according to Judge-Executive Jim Townsend. And initially, that’s what was applied for.” But that first grant application never made it to the stack of possibilities. “We changed our strategy after that and broke it down into three phases,” said Townsend. Funding for phase one of the project is what has just been approved. “This money will be used for the engineering study of the project,” said Townsend. “We’re sure the bridge is in sound condition and feel we could get by without the study, but the state requires it.” Witherspoon agreed. “The top definitely needs to be replaced, but the foundation is sound. The pilings were replaced in 1960.” Once the study is completed, an approximate $360,000 will be needed for phase two. At that time, the upper level of the bridge will see some real changes. Phase three of the project will put whatever finishing touches are needed as recommended by engineers. Townsend feels approval for funds for the next two phases of the project is highly likely. “I don’t believe they would have funded the first phase if they didn’t expect to see it through,” he commented. Approximately 15 feet wide, the plans are for a three-foot pedestrian walkway and 11 feet for vehicular travel. Because of the width, only one direction of travel could take place at a time. However, in case of emergency, that is all that would be needed. And that’s the main concern from everyone who has had a hand in the project. “This will allow the citizens to get out when the water rises,” commented Townsend. “It will also speed up access to the hospital and allow emergency vehicles to arrive on the scene quicker.” Townsend expects to enter into an inter-local agreement between Webster and Crittenden counties once the bridge is completed. This would allow for an exchange of emergency services when needed. Advertisement for bids to secure an engineering firm to begin the study, is right around the corner according to Townsend. “I’m really excited about it,” said Witherspoon. “Everyone has really worked hard on this.” Throughout the state, funding awards for transportation enhancement totalled more than $4.5 million for 42 projects. The Transportation Cabinet administers the TEA-21 program that provides funding for non-traditional transportation projects that enhance the state’s roadsides. Categories range from bicycle paths to scenic road easements, to historic transportation building rehabilitation such as train depots. Approximately half of the funding goes to support Renaissance Kentucky communities. |
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