Construction on the Lower Cartecay bridge is set to begin October of this year.
The date comes out of a meeting between representatives of Georgia Department of Transportation and Talley Construction, which was awarded the bid, said Gilmer County Director of Public Works Ryan Steingruber. Mating seasons of both land and aquatic based animals delayed the beginning of construction.
“I am just tickled to death it is about to get started,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris. “I am sure a lot of other people are, too.”
In April 2017, the bridge was condemned by GDOT following an underwater inspection. The substructure was found to be in critical condition.
“It has been closed for a long time,” said Steingruber.
In subsequent years, the project was added to the state construction process. Gilmer County became responsible for purchase of the right of way instead of the entire cost of the bridge replacement.
“Unfortunately, that left us on their timetable,” Steingruber said.
ROW cost the county $50,000. The bridge is estimated to cost $3,718,988.
Completion of the bridge is set for Feb. 23, 2025.