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The End of Bull Slough Road Grows Near

120-year-old Pole Bridge can be seen on the right. It provided
convenience and access for about 30 families in north Lake Tuscaloosa

About 30 families in the north Tuscaloosa Lake community have about two and a half more months until they are reconnected with Highway 43 ... the fast road to shopping and downtown Tuscaloosa.

The contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie, has until early March to replace 120-year-old Pole Bridge, which was damaged and condemned in May 2002 after a truck driver got a backhoe he was hauling tangled in the superstructure. The condemned bridge has forced local residents onto a rarely used dirt and gravel hunting road. There has been at least one confirmed wreck with injuries, and incidents of spinouts, broken windshields and near misses with oncoming traffic.

Two large cranes were recently used to pluck Pole Bridge from its pillars. It has been disassembled, loaded on a barge and awaits transport to Kentuck Park in Northport. Construction of the new two-lane bridge has begun. Workers have started drilling support shafts for the new two-lane bridge, which will likely spur increased development in the area. The total project is expected to cost about $1 million.

Under Alabama law, the contractor has 80 working days to complete the project since it began on November 18th. Those 80 working days don't include weekends, holidays, or inclement weather. If the bridge isn't finished on time, the contractor will be fined. If it's finished ahead of time, the contractor will receive a bonus.

Go to the original 7/18/02 report
Click here for the 12/16/02 update
Click here for the 1/29/03 update
Click here for the 3/17/03 update

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