Marion County Highway Engineer Mike McCormick has some good news on replacement of the Skillet Fork Bridge on the Route 161 Extension. He told the county board Tuesday night funding has been found for the $8.5 – million project.
“Marion County will finally be able to go up and get federal funding for the design and replacement of the 161 extension bridge over the Skillet Fork,” said McCormick. “That was basically accomplished by holding off on programming other federal projects and saving up funds until we finally had enough in the pot to where we could get that program and get it taken care of.”
McCormick says most projects would take four years to complete, but he reports if everything aligns correctly the new bridge could be completed in two and a half to three years. He says if the current bridge is going to remain open until the new one is completed it is important the weight limit that prohibits truck traffic if followed.
