Ritter's Mill reopening set; court opens bids for Oldwell Road repairs and updates bridge funding
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Summary
County reported Ritter's Mill repairs and scheduled opening; the court authorized bids for Oldwell Road low-water repairs and approved bridge-repair invoices tied to FEMA and state-funded projects.
Barren County officials told the fiscal court on Oct. 21 that restoration work on several county roads and bridges is advancing and that bids will be solicited for Oldwell Road repairs.
Rick Rhodes and road department staff reported Ritter's Mill is substantially complete: crews lengthened the structure by 72 feet, poured concrete approaches and expect the road to reopen Monday at 8 a.m. County officials reminded the public to avoid walking or driving on newly poured concrete until cure time has passed.
Road staff and FEMA representatives are coordinating to replace recurring washed-out asphalt at Oldwell Road approaches with concrete; county leaders said FEMA will cover about 87% of that bill. Magistrate Squire Coomer moved to open bids to repair Oldwell Road; the court seconded the motion and approved soliciting bids with a two‑week bid window.
Transportation committee members also reported progress on Matthews Mill paving (in progress) and additional bridge funds awarded for County bridge projects; the court approved an invoice to Intech Contracting for $202,350 tied to reimbursable bridge work, with state or federal reimbursement expected.
Magistrates emphasized that some low-water crossings will still flow during major storms because they are not bridges, but concrete approaches will reduce repeated emergency repairs and shorten closure times.
