Old Georges Creek Bridge seeking new home

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

LOUISA — An historic bridge in Lawrence County that has been closed to traffic for four years is looking for a new home.

Highway District 12 officials say the Georges Creek Bridge on Ky. 581 will be replaced with a new structure next year and needs to be relocated for preservation and reuse.

“Constructed in 1924 by the Vincennes Bridge Co., Georges Creek is a Parker Pony Truss bridge and a true masterpiece – the last of its kind,” District 12 said in a press release. “It is distinguishable by its two closely set arches connected by a series of steel beams that run the length of the structure.

District 12 Chief Engineer Mary Westfall-Holbrook said the bridge has “great character, and while it is functionally obsolete by today’s standards, it could still make a wonderful addition to a park or hiking trail.”

The district is seeking a city, county or state government agency; historic preservation organization; or other approved individuals or entity interested in having the bridge moved to a new site in Kentucky for preservation and reuse.

“We’re hoping the right organization takes an interest,” District 12 public information officer Shantana Woodwardsaid. “There’s still a lot of life left in this bridge, and in the right setting, it will shine again.”

If it can be relocated to an appropriate setting, the bridge may still be eligible for designation on the National Register of Historic Places, transportation officials said.

The Federal Highway Association (FHWA) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet can pay all expenses associated with match marking, disassembly, transportation to the new site, and off-loading of the bridge in an amount up to the estimated cost of demolition.

The new owner, when chosen, will be responsible for all costs associated with site preparation and re-assembly of the bridge. Any additional costs the project might bear will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Agencies, organizations, or individuals who have an interest in adopting the structure should submit letters of interest and proposals for the bridge before April 7. If no recipient is located or selected, the bridge will be documented to Historic American Engineering Record specifications and demolished.

Construction is set to begin this year on a new structure at the site.

For more information or to submit a written proposal, contact Woodward at KYTC District 12, 109 Loraine Street, Pikeville, KY 41501 or call 606-433-7791.