The Times-Journal

Thursday, September 2, 2010 | DeKalb County's Oldest Newspaper

Classifieds | Jobs | Homes | Autos

Mentone bridge remains up in air

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published January 6, 2009

Replacing an old, narrow bridge just north of Mentone may seem like an everyday task for state Department of Transportation officials.

But after three years of study and review, work has not started. And it may be as long as two more years before work can start on building a new bridge.

“We’re going through our federal review process with environmental studies,” Alabama Department of Transportation engineer Johnny Harris said. “We are trying to get all the environmental clearances to move forward with that project. We are doing studies to prove there are no other alternative that is more feasible than the plan we have proposed, and that is part of our environmental study process.”

Harris said part of that environmental study deals with a historical review of the land where the new bridge would be built. Slate McDorman and his family owns some of that property, which could be deemed historical.

McDorman said he wants a new bridge built only if that's the only option possible.

“Our idea of the ideal solution is one that can both preserve the area while creating a safer bridge and safer town,” McDorman said. “According to the national bridge inventory database the Mentone Bridge rates as a possible candidate for an Historic Bridge Rehabilitation. We have spoken with a bridge engineering firm in Atlanta who specializes in widening bridges. They have examined the bridge and estimate it can be widened in less than three months to meet current guidelines for less money with little eminent domain.”

But Harris said that is not a viable option.

“They did submit a proposal,” Harris said. “Our bridge engineers reviewed that proposal and determined that was not an appropriate process for this bridge for various reasons.”

Harris said ALDOT could complete the project in two to three years once the study is completed and it is given the green light on the project.

“We are moving forward as expeditiously as possible considering the circumstances,” Harris said. “It’s just a work in progress. We hope to be in good shape to move forward in the next several months.

“We thought it could have been built by now. Little did we know what problems we would have.”

Harris said plans are to keep the original bridge in tact since a request had been made by people in Mentone to preserve the arch structure. He said nearby Camp Skyline has agreed to take it and make it a pedestrian bridge.

On Monday, state Sen. Lowell Barron said he’s pushing for a new bridge to be built. He said he’s been involved in the project from the beginning.

“We are pursuing that bridge as fast as we are allowed to pursue it,” Barron said. “I realize that we have due process, but I also know that is a dangerous bridge. The state can’t move forward until the federal government releases us. We will continue to pursue you a bridge. We’ve just got to hold our breath and hope nothing happens on that bridge.”

Harris agreed.

“We have been fortunate there have not been any major accidents,” Harris said. “We are keeping our fingers crossed until we can get the project completed.”

Share | Save | Mail | Print

Photo Reprints
Purchase select photographs from local games and events. New from The Times-Journal and The Times-Journal.

Subscription Services: Circulation | Home Delivery | Back Issues | Vacation Stops | Newspapers In Education

The Fort Payne Times-Journal | Publisher: J.D. Davidson

811 Greenhill Blvd.NW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 | Tel: 256-845-2550 | Email