Barren County closes bridge for safety following high water issues
18 ton bridge tolerance down to 3 ton
GLASGOW, Ky. – One Barren County bridge is closed after an inspection shows it should now hold only three tons – a weight that even one school bus exceeds.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recommended the county drop the weight limit of one high traffic bridge in their report yesterday. The Berry Store Road that crosses Buck Creek held 18 tons in the past according to County judge-executive Micheal Hale.
Hale told News 40 they decided to close off a bridge after inspection results came in yesterday, showing high water has shifted the bridge and put pressure on its structures.
The bridge is, unfortunately, a much needed route for school buses and agricultural transportation.
Hale says that the bridge could stay open if only small vehicles drove across it in one lane, however they don’t have enough signage to convey the message safely yet.
He says he’s worried this problem may affect other structures.
News 40 has contacted the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to press for more details about this huge tonnage tolerance drop. We’ll keep you updated as we know more.
