County OKs $20,000 to design bridge
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

Although it will likely be an expensive pill to swallow, Cherokee County Council has decided to move forward with its bridge replacement plans.

Council agreed to spend $20,000 to hire a engineering firm to design a new bridge on Double Bridge Road near Highway 29. The engineering firm also will come up with a cost estimate for the new bridge.

Cherokee County Assistant Administrator Holland Belue said the single-lane, 120-foot span was moved to the top of the replacement list because of its high traffic volume.

The county owns and maintains 18 bridges. All of the bridges have wood decking and load restrictions.

Holland said the bridge, which is used as a cut-through to Hwy. 29, also lacks a guard rail.

Council would likely approve a special appropriation to finance the replacement project, he said.

Belue said prioritizing the county's bridge needs has been a priority for him.

"This is part of our capital as much as a building is," he said.