Crews pour concrete on the bridge deck or riding surface at the new Elk River Bridge in Fayetteville. Construction is actively underway on the new 1,235 foot, two-lane bridge over the Elk River meant to connect Molino Road to the U.S. 64 bypass at Bearden Mill Road. Jones Bros, contractors is in charge of construction through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Jones Bros. Division Manager Chris Harwell said through TDOT the company has until November to finish the project, but they are currently “ahead of schedule.” Harwell said they hope to have the road open before school starts back in August. Lincoln Paving will handle the asphalt paving, according to Harwell, who estimates about 100 workers have helped build the bridge so far. “Everybody’s done a good job and it has went well,” Harwell said. “We’ve had a drier spring than normal so that’s helped us get ahead.” Harwell said it’s a big project for the community and it will ultimately provide another access over the Elk River. — Paul Henry photo
