Old Richardsville Road Bridge construction begins

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Old Richardsville Road Bridge, or the David Garvin Memorial Bridge, was built over 130 years ago. It has been a tourist attraction in Bowling Green for over a century, luring curious travelers with its history and supernatural rumors.  However, the bridge closed a few years ago due to failing supports. 

Warren County Public Works coordinated with American Engineers in Glasgow to design a new repair for the bridge. They also worked with the state Transportation Cabinet for funding toward the bridge. 

Finally, after years of talk, Intech Contracting began making repairs on the bridge this week. 

Years ago, the late local entrepreneur David Garvin used his own money to work on the bridge, going out himself to paint, clean and repair it. 

Warren County Public Works Director Josh Moore said that both reasons – Garvin’s legacy and the bridge’s historical value – led to the Public Works’ decision to repair the bridge today.

“This bridge means a lot for the area. One, for its historical significance, and two, because it is somewhat tied to a man who did a lot for this area, for Bowling Green and Warren County,” said Moore. “The citizens and the folks who live out in that area cherish the bridge, and we knew it was the most responsible thing to do, not only for the safety of the people who travel on that bridge, but also just for the region and for the county to preserve it if we could.”

Moore said he spoke to the contractor who says the reconstruction should be completed and open for traffic by November.