Piperton to Repair Russell Road Bridge After Failed Inspection; Repairs Estimated at $160,000–$170,000

Mayor Henry Coats and Public Works Director Richard Mills told the Piperton Board of Mayor and Commissioners on April 21 that the Russell Road bridge failed inspection and must be closed to traffic until repairs are completed.

Public Works Director Richard Mills said, "the bridge on Russell Road failed inspection and would have to be closed to all traffic on April 13th. It falls on the city to make repairs, and the cost is estimated to be between $160,000 to $170,000." Mills said the city is checking for available emergency funds and will provide updates as bids and more information become available.

Mills also described other ongoing public-works projects, including a TDEC/ARPA waterline installation under railroad tracks and a recently received park grant contract. He told the Board the city will schedule additional site work and inspections before committing to a repair plan for Russell Road.

Mayor Coats said the city received no advance notice from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and that a letter arrived ordering the closure "in thirteen days." The mayor asked staff to pursue multiple assessments; Mills said he plans to obtain a second bridge inspection to have two independent reviews of the needed work.

Board members discussed alternatives, including a box culvert, but Mills said discussions with the county indicated a box culvert could be more expensive and require more ongoing maintenance. Mills told the Board the bridge estimate has a significant effect on the current budget and that he will include the expected cost information in the coming budget cycle.

The Board did not vote on an immediate appropriation at the April 21 meeting; Mills and City Manager Steve Steinbach said staff will return with firm bids, scope and funding options, and will include the bridge work in the proposed budget if emergency funds are not available.