JOHN COFFELTEditor

After formally rejecting a proposal by the Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation Group late last month, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said it is well within its legal rights to continue with its plan to remove and replace the historic truss bridge located within the park.

“After extensive review and public dialogue, and in accordance with applicable law, Tennessee State Parks is moving forward with the project to relocate the iconic bridge truss upstream on park property, honoring and preserving its heritage and architectural beauty while enhancing visitor safety and improving the visitor experience,” Eric Ward, TDEC communications director, said

However, Ward did not officially rule out that The Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation Group’s engineering survey of the bridge could impact the plan.

“We will review with an open mind the engineering study ordered by the preservation group, but it would be premature to speculate as to whether it would alter the path forward without knowing its conclusions,” he said.

TDEC’s letter by Deputy Commissioner Greer Tidwell dated Feb. 28, 2024 thanked the preservation group for the information it provided the state and the care its members have for the OSF bridge.

“TDEC has decided to repurpose the truss bridge as a river overlook upstream from where it is currently located to preserve its rich history and tradition,” Greer wrote. “As part of that project, staff and interpretive signage will convey its rich history as a former part of Tennessee’s Highway System to park guests overlooking the beautiful Duck River.”

TDEC cites reasons for the decision that include the need for vehicular bridge connecting the campground to the main park entrance and ranger station. Also cited is the truss bridge’s documented damage to structural members that continue to deteriorate.

“Rehabilitating the truss bridge for use by today’s vehicles, especially RVs, is not a practicable option because its original design does not meet modern-day loading or design standards (Load and Resistance Factor Design) which TDOT is required by federal regulation and state policy to meet for vehicular bridges on public roads,” Tidwell wrote.

“By the nature and age of the materials used on the truss bridge structure, it cannot be repaired to meet those design requirements. This decision will ultimately allow campground guests to be able to access other park amenities more conveniently and safely,” he added.

Tidwell adds the improvement of Country Club Drive as called for in the proposal would fall under the jurisdiction and financial responsibility of Coffee County and the City of Manchester.

Tidwell said that all public comments received in the public comment period, the public meeting, and the information presented in the group’s proposal were carefully considered.

The Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation Group announced Sunday, March 3 that the board voted unanimously to engage an engineering firm that specializes in historic bridges, Kurdziel Barker of Indianapolis, to complete an independent third-party Inspection of the bridge.

The group announced Feb. 18 that it had collected at total of $8,500 for the survey work to be done. A Concert fundraiser is currently being planned for April 27 at Manchester Rotary Park.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.