Transportation department alters plans because of bird’s nest

By Eddie West Staff Writer

A special bird and its nest atop the Cordell Hull Bridge are expected to get special treatment from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) during this week’s planned inspection.

The bird and its nest were spotted at the top of the metal framework above the bridge’s deck on the Carthage side this spring.

Most suspect the bird is an osprey. Others think it may possibly be an eagle.

According to various sources, both the osprey and eagle have been taken off the endanger species list but remain protected by law.

The bird and its nest have resulted in TDOT altering plans for this week’s Cordell Hull Bridge inspection project.

When asked by the Courier about the future of the bird’s nest with the upcoming inspection, a TDOT spokesperson said, “Due to the presence of a bird’s nest, the scope of this inspection has been revised to only include ‘Non-Redundant Steel Tension Members (NSTMs)’ that are in poor condition instead of all NSTMs. Extra care will be taken to not disturb the nest.” 

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