T-DOT has offered to take over the replacement of the Buffalo Valley Bridge over Cane Creek from the City Of Cookeville.
Community Development Director Jon Ward told council during Monday’s work session the city initiated work on the bridge a few years ago. Ward said the city’s repairs to the bridge at that time were adequate, so the city reallocated the bridge project funding to projects like Jefferson Avenue. Ward said T-DOT notified the city last month.
“The proposal does require the city to be responsible for utility relocations,” Ward said. “And we also have to dedicate right of ways necessary to do the project. It runs along Cane Creek Park, below the dam if you guys are familiar with that.”
Ward said there is additional right of way acquisition on the project’s south side. Ward said originally, there was over $1 million of grant funding allocated for the project.
Mills said the city lucked out with T-DOT’s proposal.
“We ended up saving a million bucks on this,” Mills said. “We’ve got to give a little right of way, so that all worked out.
Several City Council Members and department heads asked about the scope of the work, and if the new bridge will be better. Public Works Director Mary Beth Elrod, among others, said it would be an upgrade. Others said the bridge was old and inadequate.
“We put a steel beam, we welded it up there and they accepted it temporarily,” Mills said. “It definitely needs to be replaced. And it’s in a flood plain also, so that’s all a tricky situation. But we’re glad T-DOT is handling this for us.”
The City Council will vote on the resolution for Mills to authorize the proposal at Thursday’s meeting.
