DOT to replace bridge, help fund paving
By Diana Royal Staff Writer

Burke County roadways continue to see improvements.

Last Tuesday night, Burke County Commissioners approved two separate agreements with the DOT (Department of Transportation) - one to replace a problem bridge and the other for paving.

According to county administrator Merv Waldrop, DOT will replace the bridge over Rocky Creek on Herndon Road and will fund the full cost of the project, with the exception of relocating any utilities. Waldrop said he expected little or no utility expense on the project.

Also, DOT will provide up to $172,817.91 to assist with the paving of the north end of McCoy Church Road near Alexander. The road will be cleared, graded and paved from Highway 24 to Lacy Johnson Road.

Waldrop said the expected cost to the county is approximately $420,000.

While work on McCoy Church Road has already begun, Waldrop said the replacement of the bridge on Herndon Road depended on DOT's schedule.

During the meeting, commission chairman Jimmy Dixon said much of the money for these road improvements comes from Gov. Sonny Purdue's Paving the Way Home Initiative. "We are definitely getting our fair share (of help)," Dixon said.