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Raspberry bridge to reopen
The Franklin Parish Police Jury agreed to make up the difference between the amount of a state grant and the over-budget cost to repair and reopen Raspberry Road bridge, paving the way for contractor CW&W to begin work on the rural structure.
According to police juror Buddy Parks, Raspberry bridge has been out for several years. He said getting the majority of the money to reopen the bridge has been a long process.
"We've been trying to get this money for a while now. Most of the people in my district want it reopened. It's a short cut to Baskin and hwy. 15," Parks said at the bridge Monday morning.
Noting the graffiti and broken bottles littering the entrance to the bridge, which is blocked with mounds of dirt, Parks said it's a hazard as it is now.
"It's not safe out here and the sooner we get it repaired and open, the better it will be for the parish," Parks said.
Police juror Ricky Campbell joined Parks for a walk around the bridge and the adjacent 10 acres, which is being cleared for a parking lot and boat landing.
"It will be an improvement for the parish. Transportation is one of our biggest issues and having the bridge open again will provide more access for people to come do business in Franklin Parish," Campbell said.
Raspberry Bridge connects Franklin and Richland parishes and once the bridge is reopened people will have access from Baskin.
The majority of the project – $196,050 for the contract – is being funded through capital outlay, with the police jury agreeing to fund $126,464 by taking on two phases of the project themselves.
Parish superintendent Greg Humphries said police jury crews would repair the railings and some of the decking one the bridge.
"We will make up our portion with the work we will do ourselves," Humphries said.
Currently the parish maintains about 45 bridges in the parish.
Final plans for the project are now in Baton Rouge with the state department of facility planning and control.
Once the department gives its final approval, the bid will be awarded to CW& W of Sibley, La. The bridge is due for completion in March 2009. |
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