Proposed bridge closing worries Grant residents

GRANT — An engineer’s proposal to close a county bridge was met with opposition at a public hearing Nov. 25 by residents who live nearby.

Montgomery County engineer Brad Skinner proposed to close Spruce Avenue Bridge in Grant, which sustained extensive damage in the floods of 2008.

FEMA offered $187,000 funds to repair the bridge, but Skinner estimated it would cost $500,000 or more to repair it along with $100,000 for engineering services. Skinner’s suggestion was closure of the bridge and redirecting the FEMA money for upgrading roads leading to the nearest pavement.

The hearing was then opened to the public. Rex Knoles lives on 1030 Spruce Avenue, the closest house to the bridge in question. Knoles stated as it is now, it is about a mile detour to go around the bridge.

“The post office would add on 300 miles a year just to deliver my mail,” Knoles said.

Knoles brought up the bridge in Cass County over Turkey Creek and questioned why they were able to build that bridge for considerably less than the proposed $500,000 for the Spruce Avenue Bridge.

Philip Chalmers, another resident by the bridge, stated he would love to have the bridge repaired but understands the cost restrictions. Chalmers main concern was that he is able to access his livestock, which happens to be closely located to the bridge.

Jerry Jones commented if board members owned a home in the area, they would make sure the bridge was replaced.

And Rita Knoles, Rex’s wife, asked why it’s taken a year to have the public hearing. Skinner responded that they have been negotiating with FEMA in regards to funding and it was only recently when they received the offer of the $187,000.

Board members asked Skinner to take another look at the situation and crunch some numbers to see if there are any other alternatives available.

The Spruce Avenue Bridge will be readdressed at the Dec. 17 Board of Supervisors meeting.