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Officials say federal safety funds secured for Red River Road bridge; CSX review could delay construction
Summary
State and county officials told the fiscal court the Red River Road bridge project has funding in the state budget from a federal safety program but CSX railroad review and railroad procedures could add months to the schedule.
Clark County officials briefed the fiscal court that the Red River Road bridge project is in design and that a federal safety funding pot administered at the state level is available to cover construction, but that CSX railroad review could extend the project timeline.
The county judge executive said the project is in the design stage and that the state transportation district identified a federal safety program (described by staff as a pot of federal money used for roadway safety improvements such as turn lanes and guardrails) that could be used for the bridge. The judge said District 7 will oversee the project and that construction release is expected in late January, with a five‑month construction estimate after release if railroad procedures proceed without delay. “If they release it for construction January… they’re saying 5 months to complete the construction,” the judge said.
County leaders said CSX railroad procedures for private bridges require a separate review and that the railroad’s legal review of right‑of‑way and crossing procedures could take up to six months, potentially moving completion into late 2025. Officials also said East Kentucky Power granted permission to use a gravel access route through its property during high water to maintain access while the county awaits construction.
A resident asked whether CSX had signed a contract or agreement; county staff said CSX would have to run the matter through its legal department and that the state’s District 7 contact (identified in discussion as Kelly Baker) had helped locate available funding. The court recorded that U.S. Representative Greg Elkins and local officials had worked behind the scenes to secure and track the funding allocation in the state budget.
Ending: County staff said they will continue coordination with District 7 and CSX and will return with construction schedules and any right‑of‑way agreements once those steps are complete.
