Recently, officials from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) communicated to the Lewis County Government that the final plans for the Sickler Road Bridge have received authorization. The current Sickler Road Bridge, located in Texas Bottom, has been in a state of decline for many years. Recent inspections conducted by the state have uncovered significant issues, including six-inch deep chips and exposed rebar, leading to a reduction in the bridge’s weight limit to five tons and a designation of its condition as unsatisfactory.
In a positive development, the state has committed to covering nearly the entire cost of constructing a new bridge. This upcoming structure will be designed to be higher, longer, and wider than its predecessor, with the aim of mitigating flooding risks and enhancing public safety. Additionally, the new bridge will accommodate a greater weight limit, allowing heavy trucks and school buses to cross the Buffalo River safely.
This announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the local community. Mayor Jonah Keltner expressed his gratitude to the teams at TDOT, Collier Engineering, and the County Highway Department for their diligent efforts in ensuring that the plans were thoroughly developed and authorized in a timely manner. This proactive approach has allowed for the new bridge to be included in the state’s future budget, marking a significant step forward for the town.