TDOT report gives Sandy Hook five-arch bridge a "critical" rating; residents urge temporary reopening and preservation

Ken McKee, Maury County superintendent of highways, told the Maury County Commission on Aug. 18 that the Tennessee Department of Transportationinspection and accompanying letter "requires the subject bridge to remain closed to all traffic" after it received a "critical" rating.

Residents from the Sandy Hook area and elsewhere urged the commission to seek temporary reopening for emergency access, pursue preservation funding and study alternative flood fixes. Speakers cited a 108-signature petition, historical significance of the 1916 five-arch bridge and safety concerns caused by lengthy detours while the main county bridge is replaced.

Why it matters: the Sandy Hook five-arch bridge, built in 1916, is one of a small number of multi-arch Roman-style bridges remaining in the United States and the only five-arch bridge remaining in Tennessee referenced during public comments. Residents said the bridgeclosure forces long detours over narrow, curving roads that they say raise safety and emergency-response risks.

What McKee reported

McKee summarized the TDOT report and a letter from TDOTstructure officials. "The enclosed bridge evaluation report requires the subject bridge to remain closed…