JOHN COFFELTEditor

State Rep. Rush Bricken recently voiced his support of an effort to prevent the moving of a truss bridge at Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park.

Last week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced it will continue with its plan to use a federal grant that is specific to state park infrastructure improvements to replace the historic structure with a modern replacement.

“The state has not proved to me that the existing truss bridge cannot be restored/repaired up to the original safety and functional standards required before it was taken out of service over three years ago,” Bricken said in an email.

He hopes the engineering study commissioned by the Old Stone Fort Preservation Group will prove that point.

“If the bridge is proven safe and functional for vehicle use, the new proposed single lane concrete bridge will not be needed,” Bricken said. “This will save well over $8.5 million dollars estimated three years ago for this new bridge project. These funds could go to much more needed road or bridge projects.”

Bricken said his efforts to help the 501(c)3 preservation group in its efforts involved setting up public and private meetings with TDEC and Tennessee Department of Transportation officials from the commissioner on down and he has personally met with these commissioners and the Preservation Group leaders on this issue.

Over the months since the Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation Group broke off from the Save our Stone Fort Bridge Group to form a 501(c)3, and prior to that, the members have often called into question state inspections of the bridge. The group contracted with an engineering firm that specializes in preserving truss bridges to do a study of the OSF bridge.

While not agreeing with the state’s assessment of the bridge, Bricken assured that the state is properly inspecting bridges.

“TDOT does a great job inspecting our state bridges,” Bricken said. “We should all feel safe because of their inspection work.”

Following the release of a letter by the Deputy Commissioner Greer Tidwell, the group has intensified its criticism of the TDEC’s leadership.

Bricken said he does not believe there needs to be a change in leadership in the departments.

“The existing bridge is a historical beautiful bridge,” he said. “It should not be relocated out of the way at the park and made the equivalent of a pier or overlook. It’s worth saving as is. It is often used as an identifying landmark for Manchester and Coffee County.”

“If this project proceeds as planned Old Stone Fort Park will be a construction site for about 3 years,” Bricken said. “This will cause severe disruption for citizens using the park.”

The much debated proposed widening of Country Club Drive was referred by Bricken as a “red herring.”

“The need to improve, widen, modify Country Club Drive if TDEC plans are changed and the bridge is saved has not been determined by anyone,” he said. “If the bridge is saved and restored the responsibility to maintain it will be as it always has been, TDEC’s. No city or county funds will be required.”

Bricken said he hopes TDEC will change its decision as he believes it is in the best interest of Old Stone Fort State Park and the community as a whole.

Deputy Commissioner Greer Tidwell wrote in a February 28 letter informing the group of its decision that improvement of Country Club Drive as called for in the proposal would fall under the jurisdiction and financial responsibility of local governments.

“The improvement of Country Club Drive as called for by your proposal would fall under the jurisdiction and financial responsibility of Coffee County and the City of Manchester. However, even if additional funding resources were made available to change the traffic pattern, I am confident the path we have chosen is in the best interest of park visitors and will confirm and honor the tradition of the truss bridge while keeping our visitors safe.”

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.