Bedford Co., VA - The Virginia Department of Transportation is planning to replace an old bridge that has connected Amherst and Bedford Counties for nearly a century.
A recent study called the Snowden Bridge "functionally obsolete" and "structurally deficient."
They're holding a public hearing on the design of a new bridge next week at the Big Island Elementary School.
The Snowden bridge is popular with hikers along the Appalachian Trail and tourists like PM Reddy who would do anything for a good picture.
"I was taking some pictures, beautiful scenery," said Reddy.
But the condition of the bridge is far from picture perfect.
VDOT says the road is too narrow, and there's no room for pedestrians to safely get across. There's not even an emergency pull-off lane in case a car breaks down.
Routine inspections have found corrosion holes, even cracked piers. But those get repaired, and VDOT says it's still safe for drivers.
"The bridge is fine. From that standpoint of what is structurally deficient, what is functionally obsolete, it just means it's not up to date with today's standards and it can be improved upon," said Paula Jones, a spokesperson for VDOT.
According to a 2008 study, 14 % of the nearly 2,000 vehicles that cross the bridge every day are trucks. Jones says a number of the industries that are in the area have expressed concern.
The new bridge, roughly $20 million, will be wider and have turning lanes to make it easier for truckers and sightseers to get onto and off of Route 501.
VDOT hopes to start building the new bridge in the next four years and the old one will stay open while they build it.
The public hearing is October 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the Big Island Elementary School.
