Commission hears Bridge 51 status and approves transfer of small parcel to Georgetown

Floyd County officials updated the council Tuesday on recovery work for Bridge 51 and approved a joint resolution transferring a small parcel to the town of Georgetown for road and park access.

Randy Keener, town manager for Georgetown, described the parcel as a small easement on Georgetown-Lanesville Road between a railroad trestle and a nearby bridge. The town plans to use the land partly as green space and to realign Lois Lane so fire trucks and school buses can safely access the park and nearby neighborhoods.

County engineering staff updated the council on Bridge 51, which remains closed after damage tied to a privately owned dam failure. The county is in condemnation and right-of-way acquisition proceedings because the dam owner disagreed with the county appraisal before the dam failed; the county's appraisers have been appointed by the court and the condemnation process continues.

Staff said the county still expects the right-of-way acquisition phase to be completed by March, which would allow the project to be advertised for bids in September and for construction to start late this year or early next year, subject to federal requirements administered through the state.

Council members asked whether the old bridge could be reopened. Staff said engineers want to see the river level rise and fall after recent fill was placed at the approach so they can evaluate stability. If engineers approve, the county would pursue reopening; otherwise a reduced-lane opening is a possible interim option.

On the parcel transfer, the council approved the joint resolution to transfer the small parcel or easement to the town of Georgetown to complete local improvements.

Ending: Bridge 51 remains closed while right-of-way and environmental and court processes continue; the council approved the town parcel transfer to support park access and road realignment.