Franklin County accepts $343,295 KYTC grant to replace Farmers Lane Bridge superstructure

Franklin County Fiscal Court voted Aug. 12 to accept $343,295 in County-City Bridge Improvement Program funds from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to replace the Farmers Lane Bridge superstructure.

Belinda, appearing for county staff, told the court the bridge carries a 17-ton posting, is substandard, and is the only access to about 145 homes. She said the grant differs from typical 80/20 grants because the county must pay design and engineering costs while the grant covers construction.

"We applied for this grant to replace the superstructure of the Farmers Lane Bridge because it has a posted weight limit of 17 tons, is substandard, and is the only access point to the Farm Dale subdivision containing approximately a 145 homes," Belinda said.

Belinda said HMB submitted an updated design-phase estimate over the weekend; the new design cost is $84,300 (previously $79,200), a figure county staff said remains slightly under 20% of total cost. County staff indicated the HMB work order will return to fiscal court for approval at the Aug. 27 meeting.

Magistrates and the fire chief raised public-safety concerns tied to bridge limits, noting that fire tankers and other emergency vehicles typically exceed the posted weight and that replacement will improve response and service access.

The court approved the resolution to accept the award during the voting session on Aug. 12. County staff said construction bidding and the HMB work order will follow, and the court will consider the work order for design-phase authorization at the Aug. 27 meeting.

Next steps: authorize HMB work order at the Aug. 27 meeting; proceed with design, then bid construction under KYTC grant terms.