68/80 bridge repairs

[skeeterjames]

Any word on when they may have a temp bridge in place. Have a trip scheduled in May and would like to be able to fish both lakes if possible. Staying on Ky Lake side around Jonathon Creek.

Thanks
Skeeter

[kc]

they sure aren't going to have that bridge repaired by may. I haven't heard anything definitive in what they plan to do but there was one suggestion that they may start a ferry service to cover until a bridge is in place (fixed or new). That could happen by May.

I am more bummed in that my dad read somewhere that they are planning to keep fenton closed indefinitely. word is that the crew working on the bridge(s) will make fenton their home base so they plan to keep it shut down. I hope that it not true. major bummer for those of us who are mid-lake coming from the east...

kc

[artcarney_agr]

Given the size of that old school truss, it will take a long time to fabricate.

First it will have to be designed - maybe a 3 to 6 month process - then shop drawings created - 3 to 6 more months - then procure all the necessary steel, then start fabrication. Then ship the fabricated steel to the laydown yard, then start assembly, then construct the new bridge deck....and on and on.

I'd say you're looking at two years unless there is an old bridge somewhere already made that they can slightly modify to work temporarily.

I hope they don't fix it. You're looking at 2 years for a temporary replacement vs. 3 years to install the brand new one that's already set up for construction to start this year anyways. I say forget about the fix, use that money to fast-track the new one and be done with it in the same amount of time.