By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Members of the Barren County Fiscal Court’s transportation committee opened two bids to repair the approaches on Ritters Mill Road; one was for $157,500 with possible additions and the other for $156,900.
The Ritters Mill crossing was originally a low-water ford but — in an effort to mitigate the frequent closure caused by flooding — was replaced with eight box culverts, which would allow water to flow without affecting the crossing. Recently, the approaches at the crossing “eroded,” according to Barren County Magistrate Tim Durham, whose district encompasses Ritters Mill Road.
“We are dissatisfied that this issue has occurred despite multiple meetings to review the design and query its ability to prevent future closures,” Durham wrote on his social media account. “The goal was to alleviate the recurring issue of flooding and road closures in the county. This matter will be addressed and resolved….”
Deputy Judge-Executive Garland Gilliam confirmed the eight box culverts that span the creek are intact and in good shape, and added that the state would be responsible for inspecting the crossing.
Photo courtesy of Deputy Judge-Executive Garland Gilliam.
Bluegrass and Associates submitted the bid for $157,500 and Scott and Murphy quoted the repairs at $156,900. The committee discussion revolved around the extent of the work they wanted to see at the Ritters Mill crossing. The Bluegrass and Associate’s bid included various options that added extra renovations for additional costs, which would require the county to put the work back out to bid with the updated scope.
“I think now is the time to add more if we’re going to,” said Barren County Road Department Supervisor Jamie DeGroft.
“We believe the approaches are designed correctly this time,” Scott and Murphy Project Manager Walter Mansfield said. “[But] if you can handle the heat from the public, back it up.”
The committee members decided, due to their abundance of questions regarding the design, to get the American Engineer Richard Tutt and Scott and Murphy Engineer Chris Proffitt, in the room together to discuss and explain to them the design in more detail before they make a decision.
“We just want to do this right,” Durham said.
Gilliam said the crossing will remain closed for the time being.
