Dilapidated bridge could leave Martin County families stranded

martincitybridge

Several families in Martin County have watched the bridge leading to their home become increasingly dilapidated since 2010. Now they are asking the county’s new leadership to step in.

Tunnel Road is only accessible by the old coal bridge that connects it to KY 1714. That bridge is currently worn down and broken to the point that the county closed it to traffic, leaving three families and several property owners unsure how to move forward.

According to the homeowners, no one has attempted to fix the bridge in years. A few of the community members have added boards to the bridge to make it more secure since it is the only way in and out of the road, but they were told not to do so. They also said they were asked to park on the roadside near the bridge, then walk across, instead of crossing it in vehicles. However, many of them have health issues that would make that impossible.

The families are worried about their safety, being cut off from first responders if those health issues become a problem.

Deputy Judge-Executive Steven Goble said the county is working to get the bridge fixed since receiving emergency funds last year. They originally planned to begin building this month, but he said the only quote they received that was affordable was from a contractor whose pre-qualification was denied by the state. With those hold-ups, plus the pandemic, the construction has been delayed again.

He said he sympathizes with the people impacted.

According to Goble, the county is trying to find ways to help the project move forward.

Goble said working to help give the families safe access to their homes is a priority.