New half-million-dollar bridge reopens over Pond Fork Creek
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 9:27am
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The new bridge on County Road 912 over Pond Ford Creek in Thornfield opened last week after work on the half-million-dollar project was completed by Ozark-based RJ Warren Construction Co. The old bridge "used to be wooden and they poured concrete over the top of it," according to former Western District Commissioner Greg Donley. He added that the old structure had a 5-ton weight limit, which restricted the loads of such things as hay, concrete or logs that area haulers might need to move along the county road.
The old bridge was removed in September 2020, and Donley said at the time that construction was expected to take four months. The Ozark County Commission had been working on getting the bridge replaced since late 2017. Donley said it took the county "a little longer to get funding" through the "Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation program," which uses the abbreviation BRO. The program involves both state and federal funds.
Donley, right, stands on the new bridge with members of the RJ Warren Construction company, which Donley described as "a family affair." From left, Logan Brice and his grandfather Joe Warren and Joe's son, Ryan Warren.