County orders immediate closure of East Piney Road bridge as staff seek FEMA funds or short‑term repairs

Dickson County commissioners moved Tuesday to comply with state direction to close the East Piney Road bridge at Baker Road after federal inspection criteria changed and the structure was deemed unsafe.

"The state sent down a letter forcing us to," said Mr. Hodgees, a county staff member who briefed the commission on the notice and subsequent inspection findings. County staff set an internal closure date two days earlier than the state's deadline to ensure compliance.

Staff described a history of flood damage dating to the August 2021 event and said the bridge was previously downgraded to a five‑ton limit in the 2022 inspection. The county earlier placed the bridge in a TDOT program for replacement but the program lacked funding.

Mr. Hodgees said the county asked the regional council to press FEMA for release of leftover flood‑related funds. "We're hoping that that money will be released soon," he said, and added the county needs about 30 days to see whether FEMA will free the requested funds. If FEMA funds do not arrive, he said the county will consider using fund balance or borrowing to repair or replace the bridge.

Engineering assessments were already underway. "I passed it to them Thursday evening and he went out I spoke with him this morning," Mr. Hodgees said, referring to contractor Concrete Structures and the firm's review of repair options. County staff said a short‑term repair to restore a five‑ton limit could be considered so the crossing is usable by light vehicles while long‑term work is planned, but cautioned against spending large sums on a repair that would be torn out if replacement later proceeds.

Commissioners discussed options and outreach to state legislators and TDOT for additional funding. One commissioner suggested naming the bridge for a legislator as an incentive if the lawmaker can secure funds; staff did not commit to that approach.

Next steps: staff will report back to the commission in roughly 30 days on FEMA action and the contractor’s engineering recommendation; in the meantime the county will close the bridge as required by the state notice.