New $1.6 million bridge planned for Enigma area

By Eddie West

Staff Writer

A state bridge construction project in the Enigma community, located in the far eastern section of the county near the Putnam County line, is moving forward.

The single lane Little Indian Creek Bridge was abruptly shut down by the state in the fall of 2021, effectively making Webster Road (located in Smith County) a dead end county roadway.

Since the bridge connects Smith and Putnam counties, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) declared joint ownership of the bridge between the two counties.

At the time of the closing, residents of the area say the bridge and Webster Road were vital for Putnam County residents and others traveling to Jackson County’s Granville community and elsewhere.

In August of this year, the state entered a contract to construct a $1.6 million Little Indian Creek replacement bridge. 

However, it’s estimated it could take until the end of October of next year to complete the .094 mile span.

Jones Brother Construction was awarded the contract to construct the replacement bridge at $1,683,933.

The price tag is slightly more than the $1,556,971, state estimated project cost.

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