The Daviess County Fiscal Court has approved a rehabilitation project for a historic bridge at Yellow Creek Park.
The iron truss bridge spanning a tributary of Yellow Creek dates to 1897. It was constructed by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio and originally carried vehicle traffic on State Highway 762 in the eastern part of the county.
The bridge was moved to Yellow Creek Park in 1985 and became pedestrian-only.
“Based on input from the community and a recommendation from the Parks Board, the County sought to preserve that gateway piece to the park,” explained Ross Leigh, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Our goal is for the bridge to be available for multiple generations to come.”
As part of the project, a contractor will replace the wood decking with concrete, pressure wash and paint the iron truss structure along with an entry gate. Work will begin in February 2021 with a completion date no later than May 30, 2021.
Access will be maintained to the Nature Center, Jim Lambert Pioneer Village and trails via the parking lot off Reid Road.
This is the third and final bridge rehabilitation project at Yellow Creek Park.
Court approves renovation of Operations Center
The Court approved a bid for the renovation of the Daviess County Operations Center. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will open a permanent Regional Driver Licensing office in that location to administer REAL-ID compliant credentials.
The renovation includes an extension of the parking lot and the relocation of road/engineering staff within the facility. The Parks Department will also move to the Schertzinger Building at the corner of St. Ann and Third streets in Downtown Owensboro.
The target completion date for the renovation is December 18th, allowing KYTC to move in around the first of the year. To learn more about the REAL ID regional office, click here.
Other News
The Court approved a bid for a new compost turner at the West Daviess County Landfill. The county received a state grant to help cover the cost at a 75/25 split.
Commissioners had second reading on a budget amendment. Treasurer Jim Hendrix explained the amendment covers revenue not originally budgeted, including a mental health court grant and state/federal reimbursement monies such as funds received through the CARES Act.
The Court approved a new affiliation agreement with the Search and Rescue Team.
Judge-Executive Al Mattingly mentioned a new picnic spot on the Courthouse lawn. The brick patio is located on the northeast side of the square beneath two shade trees. There are six spaces at a picnic table on the patio.
