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Goddard Bridge restoration work resumes, project is on schedule
Monday, February 20, 2006 9:39 PM EST
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| Construction has started again on the Goddard Covered Bridge in Fleming County. The bridge renovation came to a halt for several months during the winter. Terry Prather/Staff |
Though work was halted during winter months, Mark Brown, public information officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9, said the project remains on schedule.
"The progress of the bridge is coming along very well," Brown said. "When you have to deal with the winter weather, it's difficult."
Intech Contracting began working on the bridge last week, elevating the roof structure, as well as squaring the trusses of the bridge. Come March, the bridge should be prepared for the "actual restoration," Brown said.
Some materials have not arrived for the project, but should be on-site in March, including specially treated, kiln-dried wood.
"It's a long process to get that wood ready for the installation," Brown explained.
The $1 million restoration will bring the aging structure back to life. Prior to this restoration, no one had worked on the bridge since craftsman Stockton Bower in 1968.
The exact date for when the bridge was built is unknown, though it has been dated back as far as the 1820s. The bridge, one of 20 bridges that once stood in Fleming County, is unique because it is the only bridge that remains open to traffic. It also boasts the only example of the Ithiel Town Lattice design still standing.
Goddard Covered Bridge is one of three remaining covered bridges in Fleming County, and faced demolition for the sake of restoration a few years ago until citizens voiced their disagreement with the proposed dismantling of the bridge.
"The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet understands how important the Goddard Bridge project is to the public," said Phil Mauney, branch manager for construction with District 9. "We are working closely with the contractor to ensure this project is a success."
Brown said if the weather continues to cooperate once the materials arrive, the bridge will be ready for opening in the summer.
"It's a work in progress," he said. "The good news is, we're going to be ready to go when the weather begins to cooperate in March."
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
For more area news, go to www.flemingsburg-online.com
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