SANDY HOOK, Ky. (WTVQ) – Gov. Andy Beshear visited Elliott County High School May 28 to present a $989,445.60 ceremonial check for the planned restoration and reopening of the historic Old Laurel Gorge Bridge on Little Sandy River.
Opened in the 1930s, the steel truss bridge has been a gateway to the scenic Laurel Gorge for generations of fisherman, kayakers and other recreation lovers.
“By investing in our infrastructure, we are ensuring it will stand the test of time and be here not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren,” said Gov. Beshear. “This project will protect families, reduce traffic and improve the lives of all Kentuckians in the region who rely on the bridge and need it to reopen after all necessary safety upgrades have been made.”
The governor also presented $500,000 check to Elliott County for paving and upgrading State Route 755, locally known as South Ruin Road.
For those commuting to places like Morehead State University and the St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead, the 6.5-mile-long road serves as a popular connector between Sandy Hook and Kentucky Route 173.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to contract this project to Mountain Enterprises, and work is expected to start within weeks. The cabinet is using discretionary funding for the road work.
“Route 755 is in bad condition due to this year’s ice storms and flooding and this work will be critical to keeping our people in the surrounding region safe,” said Gov. Beshear. “It will also speed up drive times and ensure the road is more prepared for severe weather in the future.”
“Elliott County is my home and where my family still lives. The investment in these two construction projects is critical for the people of Elliott County,” said Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank Gov. Beshear for his commitment to the people of Eastern Kentucky and for approving these projects for the safety and convenience of our community.”
Along with these check presentations, Gov. Beshear and Rocky Adkins were celebrating the launch of AppHarvest’s newest container farm educational program.
The Governor said restorations to Old Laurel Gorge Bridge will include adding splice/reinforcement plates, replacing rivets and other repairs to strengthen steel beams. Guardrail and bridge joint improvements are also planned. When repairs are complete, a new coat of paint will preserve the bridge’s integrity.
The structurally deficient bridge was closed to all traffic in recent years due to its condition, and before closure was only rated to carry traffic up to three tons.
The restoration project, by Intech Contracting LLC, will allow the bridge to be reopened at an increased weight limit of 15 tons to serve local residents and schools buses, as well as outdoor enthusiasts visiting cliff-lined Laurel Gorge.
The bridge also carries utility lines across the Little Sandy, connecting sewage treatment and other services in Sandy Hook to rural Elliott County and the nearby Little Sandy Correctional Complex.
The project is made possible with federal and state funding through KYTC’s Bridging Kentucky program, which was launched to repair or replace hundreds of smaller bridges across the commonwealth. Work on the project began in March, and it may be finished by late summer or early fall.
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Over $989,000 awarded to Elliott County for Old Laurel Gorge Bridge along with other funding - ABC 36 News - WTVQ
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