Resident presses Limestone County on replacement plan for weight-restricted Liberty Way bridge

Resident Walt Christopher told the Limestone County Commission on Nov. 3 that the Liberty Way bridge near 29101 Liberty Way in Athens was rated for 6 tons when he moved into the area in 2014 and has since been downgraded to a 3‑ton weight limit. He said he was told the bridge would be replaced but that the discovery of what he described as endangered snails required a redesign and substantially increased the project cost.

"When I moved in ... our bridge there, Liberty Way Bridal, was rated 6 tons. Since that time, it's been downgraded to a 3 ton bridge," Christopher said during public comment. He told the commission that the redesign for the snail habitat “doubled the cost” and that he had discussed options with the Fish and Wildlife Agency and county staff.

Mister Massey, the county engineer, said the department must…