A bridge inventory was presented to the Pulaski County Commissioners this week. According to the inventory, there are currently 74 bridges in Pulaski County. One bridge is fracture critical, meaning that is needs to be looked at to determine its need of repair immediately, and six underwater inspections will be due in 2014. On the plus side, the majority of bridges in Pulaski County are considered to be in great condition, with most issues on the minor side.
Seven bridges are currently on a replacement list, which is based on load capacity and the rate and level of deterioration. The next bridge to be replaced is Bridge 249 on County Road 250 South over Mill Creek, because of a large amount of cracking, deterioration, and erosion on the banks that cover the substructure of the bridge.
For the Monterey Bridge project, land acquisition is required in order to establish the right-of-way for the bridge. Six of the nine required appraisals for land have been received, and officials expect to have the remaining appraisals yet this week. Jon Clodfelter and Matthew Lee from United Consulting felt that within two-and-a-half to three months, all land should be acquired that is necessary and construction can begin. Assuming this is true, the bid for work on the bridge should be let in April.
