Work begins on new Caney bridge

By BOB GIBBINS

For at least the past 50 years, motorists driving on the Tenkiller end of Welling Road have crossed the old wooden floor bridge over Caney Creek. But that’s all about to change.

Residents will soon have a two-lane concrete beam, free-span bridge to traverse between Welling and the Lake Tenkiller area. District 3 County Commissioner Mike Ballard has been told the new bridge should be in place and ready for traffic by June 1.

Ballard’s foreman, Dean Martin, said some of those who routinely cross the old bridge are quite fond of it.

“They’ve painted a message on there that says, ‘We’ll miss you,’” Martin said.

Plains Construction is the contractor. Ballard said the new bridge has a $3 million price tag. Money from the state is making the construction possible. The county has also seen a little of the federal stimulus funds for roads and bridges.

Martin said the old bridge is one of only two like it left in District 3. Ballard agreed, saying the old bridge has a distinct piece of Cherokee County history attached to it, because it was part of the old Standing Rock Bridge. The structure dates back to 1928.

“It’s been around a long time,” Ballard said. “It definitely needs fixed, and we were fortunate to get some funding for a new bridge.”

Most Cherokee County residents know Welling Road is one of the heaviest-traveled roads in that part of the county. At one time, Ballard said, that particular section of road averaged about 700 cars a day.

“It may be 1,000 now,” the county commissioner said. “We haven’t taken a traffic count in a while.”

School buses and other vehicles cross the old bridge daily.

At least part of the current structure will remain in Cherokee County. Ballard said the county is keeping the steel beams on the floor under the wood. The contractor will also get some of the steel.

Flagmen are in place this week to warn approaching motorists of the construction. The old bridge will remain open until the new one is complete. Martin said rails are being placed at this time.

After the bridge is complete, Ballard’s crews will have to overlay some of the highway leading to the bridge.

A bridge at Telemay Hollow will be built with stimulus monies. District 1 County Commissioner Doug Hubbard said the project cost is about $500,000.

Road and bridge work is continuing all across Cherokee County. Commissioners approved paperwork on a bridge in District 2 on Monday.