Residents tell Estill County officials Thieves Drive crossing is sinking; county says engineers rate bridge safe for now

Chris Carroll, who identified himself as an unofficial spokesperson for residents of Thieves Drive, urged Estill County officials to act after residents reported the local crossing is sinking and disrupting services. "We just we're here posting our safety, our concerns," Carroll said during public comment. Residents described interrupted garbage pickup, difficulty hauling horse trailers and that the crossing’s middle section is visibly settling.

County officials responded that a state inspector and a bridge engineer had examined the crossing. An unnamed county official told the meeting, "The bridge is safe. It's safe for a school bus. It's safe for a garbage truck," and said the crossing is rated for an 18-ton limit. Officials said it can take time to secure state or federal bridge program funding and that staff would pursue those options.

Residents pressed for contingency measures if the crossing failed, citing elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors and local businesses that rely on the route. One resident asked, "What do we do if it does collapse?" The county official said staff would arrange temporary measures, including bringing coverage and rock to ensure people could get in and out in an emergency.

Residents also questioned the frequency of engineer inspections. They pointed to rusted culverts and recent patchwork that created a speed bump and said the crossing appears to be deteriorating more rapidly than periodic inspections indicate. County staff acknowledged those visible signs and reiterated that engineers’ assessments guide formal safety determinations.

Next steps: officials said they are pursuing state and federal bridge-program funding and will continue communications with residents; staff indicated temporary measures would be used as needed while funding applications proceed.