Transportation Cabinet Takes Lead to Secure Historic Grange City Covered Bridge in Fleming County
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2020) –Transportation Secretary Jim Gray today announced the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has taken the lead to secure and try to save the Grange City Covered Bridge in Fleming County.
Secretary Gray, Transportation Cabinet officials, and rescue specialists visited the bridge last week to assess the situation and secure the site after recent rains overflowed the bridge's walls and floor deck, making the bridge unstable, fragile, and possibly ready to collapse at any time.
"I've seen a lot of very challenging projects, and this is one of the most challenging ever," Gray said. "We're working with the community, local officials, state and federal partners, and if there is a way to save the bridge without threatening the lives of workers, then we will use every means possible, find the resources, and get it done -- through the General Assembly's approved highway plan and our emergency funds."
Secretary Gray has appointed a project team to lead the effort. Danny Peake, the Cabinet's environmental chief, who heads the cabinet's historic preservation efforts, will serve as project manager.
"We are working carefully to do our best to save the bridge," Peake said. "But it's going to be a real challenge."
The team is consulting with one of the nation's top historic bridge restoration specialists, Arnold Graton. Graton has restored or repaired three other covered bridges in Kentucky.
"My construction experience tells me if we have a chance to save the bridge it starts with finding the best talent to advise the team," Gray said. "Arnold Graton brings a lot of expertise to the table."
The Grange City Covered Bridge, located near the Hillsboro community, spans 86-feet with a long double post and brace design. It was built in southeastern Fleming County between 1865 and 1870.
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