Two historic covered bridges in Fleming County will be getting much needed renovations after receiving a nearly $2.6 million investment from the state transportation cabinet.
The Grange City and Ringos Mill bridges were built in the mid 1800’s and were both added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
However, as time passes, officials said these marvels of wooden engineering fall into disrepair and decay. Allen Blair, spokesman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said renovation is already underway.
“Construction will ramp up over the next month and will continue over the next two years at both bridges, with repairs to flooring, siding, the roof, structural beams on each bridge as well as the renovations to the stone abutments that support them,” said Blair.
Blair added that repairing the bridges is important, not just for the current day but also for generations to come so they can enjoy the bridges.
“Really our goal is to try to save these structures so future generations can enjoy them. Many people over the years, especially since they’ve been recognized as national historic treasures, many people have visited and enjoyed these year-round,” said Blair.
Work is being done by Arnold M. Graton Associates INC. of New Hampshire; a group considered to be experts when it comes to repairing covered bridges. Construction is expected to last two years.
The bridges are currently closed to the public while work is being done and people are asked not to cross any barriers.