Federal funds obtained for Dunbar Bridge Project

Monday, March 18, 2024 at 3:33 AM

On one hand, Putnam County Highway Engineer Jim Peck is happy when it comes to Dunbar Bridge.

Peck recently learned the Putnam County Highway Department received over $4.7 million in federal funding to restore the current bridge.

On the other hand, Peck admits there are still other bridges across the county in drastic need of improvements.

"We have 220 bridges in Putnam County. Of those, 66 need repairs and 40 need major overhauls. We have a lot of bridges that need inspected every year. Federal highway is cracking down on all states. Bridges are part of our local road safety plan," Peck told The Putnam County Post.

The Dunbar Bridge project calls for the over 140 year old covered bridge to be restored. The new bridge will be almost twice the length of the current bridge.

Peck said both the Putnam County Council and the Putnam County Commissioners continue to find ways to fund bridge projects.

"We are only fixing so many bridges every ten years and others are deteriorating. My goal is to get a framework done and have a flexible plan," Peck said.