Wilson County commissioners approved a budget amendment Jan. 8 to fund repairs for the Stewarts Ferry Bridge after the state revised bridge evaluation guidance.

During the superintendent’s report, staff said the state has changed its bridge-evaluation form and informed the county that the Eastover bridge must be shut down by Jan. 20 unless repairs are completed. Commissioners discussed the potential for additional bridges to be flagged under the new form and urged careful budgeting.

Stewarts Ferry: Staff requested a specific budget amendment for Stewarts Ferry Bridge work; during the meeting commissioners moved, seconded and approved the amendment. Speakers referenced that state aid commonly covers the vast majority of eligible costs (one speaker cited about 98% reimbursement), and staff were asked to coordinate the repair contract and state reimbursement paperwork.

Why it matters: The county’s bridge inventory is older in places, and the new state inspection criteria could accelerate repair needs and short-term closures, affecting local traffic and requiring quick budgeting and coordination with state programs.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the contract scopes and seek state reimbursement where applicable; the county asked for a follow-up report to the commission once contractor quotes and state-aid commitments are confirmed. The transcript records approval of the budget amendment for Stewarts Ferry Bridge; other bridges were discussed but no additional formal actions were recorded.