Issues involving bridges on two different roads in Liberty highlighted discussion at Monday’s Amite County Board of Supervisors meeting.
The board unanimously voted to hire T.L. Wallace Construction of Columbia to rebuild a bridge crossing the east fork of the Amite River on Hebron Road for $1,062,400 and to permanently close a bridge near the eastern end of Old McComb-Liberty Road.
State Aid Engineer Chris Dixon said four bids to build the bridge on Hebron Road were submitted.
Wallace initially bid $908,019, Dozer LLC of Natchez bid $1,001,545, N.L. Carson Construction Co. of Carthage bid $1,030,051 and Joe McGee Construction Co. of Lake bid $1,039,477. The original bids did not include contingency fees.
“It’s closed,” said Board Attorney Reggie Jones, referring to the Hebron Road bridge. “We can’t use it. It’s old. We need to replace it.”
Contingency fees added $152,000 to T.L. Wallace’s winning bid.
County Engineer David Cothren estimated the bridge will be reopened in a year,
“It’s probably closer to a year,” he said. “I’d say an estimate is a year.”
Jones said Old McComb-Liberty Road is two miles long and the bridge on that road has been out for five years.
Jones added that the road is lightly traveled.
“That area does not provide primary access to properties,” he said.
Juvenile detention contract
Supervisors also approved a contract with the Adams County Juvenile Detention Center to house juvenile offenders for $170 a night.
“We don’t have anywhere else to take them,” Chancery Clerk Jana Causey said.
Causey said youth offenders have been sent to Adams County in the past, but this is the first time a contract has been offered.
Rodeo a success
And the board heard from Patrick Hemphill, who thanked the supervisors for supporting the Scenic Rivers Rivers Development Alliance’s Round-Up Rodeo, held last weekend at Ethel Vance park. He said there were 800 spectators Friday, 950 Saturday and at least 2,000 individuals present throughout the weekend.
“I just wanted to come and tell you how much we appreciate your support and everything you’ve done for us, helping with the arena and everything,” he said. “We had a fantastic showing.”
