Windle Community Bridge Being Completely Rebuilt

The Windle Community Road bridge in Overton County will close Monday to begin a six-month total rebuild.

The bridge goes over the Roaring River. Road Superintendent James Norrod said the bridge is frequently used. But the work should not have a severe impact on the local citizens.

“I think it’s going to be pretty avoidable,” Norrod said. “Everyone knew that this was coming at some point, so I feel like they’ve made plans to – I think it’ll affect the school buses and mail route as much as anything.”

Norrod said the project will cost some $1.9 million, although 98 percent will be paid for by the state’s High Priority Bridge Replacement Program. He said the bridge needs to be rebuilt because it has been worn down after many years of use.

“Floods back in 2010 did some damage, and it’s, I’m not exactly sure the age of it, but, you know, there’s been a big emphasis put on rebuilding a lot of these older bridges,” Norrod said.

Norrod said said the bridge is being built by Jones Bros Contractors, LLC, a company based out of Mt. Juliet. Norrod said it will be about 180 working days from when the road is closed down to when the new bridge is completed.

“It shouldn’t affect people too much,” Norrod said. “They can use West McCormick and Sulphur Road that there’ll be a pretty good access to detour.”