Leaning Covered Bridge being monitored until needed repairs completed
Published 8:31 am Thursday, June 6, 2019
Star Photo/ Kevin Green Leaning Covered Bridge is causing concern, but it is being monitored and slated for repairs by city offcials.
Star Photo/ Kevin Green Inside the Covered Bridge that is causing concern becuase of leaning.
Many local and nonlocal citizens have expressed concern that the Elizabethton Covered Bridge is leaning and that officials seemed to not be doing anything about it. However, city personnel responsible for maintaining the national landmark are monitoring the bridge and are in a financial holding pattern before steps can be taken to straighten it.
Planning and Economic Development Director Jon Hartman says that southeast regional engineering firm Mattern & Craig are to assess and monitor the lean.
“There is a slight lean to the bridge,” Hartman said. “We think it could have been caused by some storm damage last summer. We had engineers come in and assess the bridge and there was no immediate danger or concern right now.”
Hartman said the firm determined that in the long-term the lean or tilt, especially if any more storms or other damage is done, would increase.
“There is no immediate danger to the public that the bridge is going to collapse tomorrow by any means,” he said. “It is something we are aware of, and we are working with our insurance company to try and resolve the issue, and we are looking at some additional alternative funding sources to make long-term repairs to the bridge.” According to Hartman, the estimated cost of repairs would near $1 million.
Hartman said that if it was determined that the bridge was a safety hazard it would be closed.
The frustration over what appeared to be neglect to some citizens is understandable. The Covered Bridge, which connects Hattie Avenue with Third Street, is considered by many to be the quintessential part of the city itself. The bridge was built in 1882 for a total cost of $3,300. A large sum, especially in today’s dollars. However, the bridge was needed at the time because of Doe River’s frequent flooding hampering expansion to the south to create what is now the downtown section of the city.
The bridge has long survived its functional use. It is closed to all but foot and bike traffic and is the scene of many public events, such as weddings and musical gatherings. The bridge is also celebrated for one week each June during Covered Bridge Days.
