State studies bridge plans; residents still using structure

By Eddie West

Staff Writer

Plans for a state-funded replacement bridge in the Four Way Inn community continue to move forward, according to Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) officials.

The bridge is located at the intersection of Old Kemp Hollow Lane and Highway 80 (Pleasant Shade Highway) and crosses Peytons Creek.

For safety reasons, the structure has been closed to traffic since this past spring when one of the columns underneath the bridge collapsed during a period of heavy rainfall which resulted in Peytons Creek over-flowing its banks.

Inspectors with TDOT closed the bridge to traffic after the damage was discovered.

“Bridge closed” doesn’t mean the bridge is closed to all.

While officially closed, the bridge is the only means residents of Old Kemp Hollow Lane and Raymond Allen Lane have of crossing Peytons Creek to travel to and from their jobs, make essential trips into town for groceries and other necessities or simply connect face to face with the outside world.

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