By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-977949.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – It needs a little TLC, but the state Transportation Cabinet says a Mercer County bridge could make the perfect addition to someone's property. The Central Pike Bridge on County Road 1310 near Harrodsburg has been deemed eligible for relocation.
"We're looking for somebody that can reconstruct the bridge on their site. We're looking for somebody that has a site that is visible if possible from the public that's appropriate for a historic bridge, that people have access to so the taxpayers can actually get some benefit out of relocating the bridge."
Phil Logsdon of the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Environmental Analysis says the steel one-lane bridge was built in 1935 and could be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It spans 100 feet across Thompson Creek.
Ideally a local government or non-profit group would take over ownership and maintenance of the Central Pike Bridge. For relocation, the Transportation Cabinet can spend up to the amount it would cost to demolish the structure, which Logsdon estimates could be around $20,000.
A replacement bridge will be built sometime over the next year. For more information, contact Becky Barrick, Environmental Coordinator at 859-246-2355, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Highway District 7, 763 W. New Circle Rd., Lexington, Kentucky 40512