Pamlico board expected to endorse rebuilding Merritt bridge

BAYBORO  — A different construction design could be used to replace a small bridge in the Merritt community that was closed in March.

At the time, the state Department of Transportation’s replacement cost estimates were more than $900,000, based on using federal highway funds that mandated a concrete structure. Transportation officials said the earliest the bridge could be replaced was 2016.

State officials told the commissioners at a meeting in June that the bridge was no longer cost effective to maintain, although it is used regularly by upwards of 20 residents.

Since that time, talks between the state and Pamlico County commissioners have produced a possible alternative — non-federal funding for a different type of structure for a cost of between $300,000 and $350,000.

Tonight, the commissioners are expected to endorse a resolution asking that the state find the money and replace the bridge.

Tim Buck, the county manager, said the state had not yet provided any plans for an alternative bridge, but had agreed in principal to look for funding.

The commissioners’ resolution notes that there are no county funds available for the project, but the county leaders support a replacement bridge.

“A different design will work from a safety standpoint, but it would have to be funded in a different way,” he said.

The bridge served not only as a connector for residents on Spruill Loop Road, but also as a storm evacuation route.

Commissioners Ann Holton and Roy Brinson, along with Buck, have had talks with the state on the issue.

Buck said the resolution of support would be sent to the county’s state legislators, Rep. Alice Underhill and Sen. Jean Preston.

 People in the rural neighorhood said the bridge closing came without warning. Residents such as Fred Fisher questioned why the bridge fell into such disrepair when inspections are made every two years.

The county requested and received state inspection reports for the bridge.

Proposed improvements totaling $279,000 for the roadway and the bridge timber floors and timber substructure were listed in the 2007 and 2009 reports.

Fisher said he analyized the inspections, which showed little work had been done on the timber-structure bridge over the years.

Fisher, a retired Pamlico County educator and coach, said just $16,000 had been spent on repairs since 1970, the year the transportation department said the current bridge structure was built.

The commissioners’ meeting is at 7 p.m. tonight on the second floor of the county courthouse.

Other business that commissioners will discuss tonight …

* Request from recreation department to lease a lot next to the Alliance Park for overflow parking

* Request from town of Vandemere for county to handle mowing of hazard mitigation property on Jones Road

* Request for direction on Grantsboro request for financial assistance on a community development block grant project on N.C. 306

* Request to select a short list of engineering firms and set a date for their presentations

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.