State of Alabama To Take Over Duncan Bridge Over Smith Lake

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) joined with Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) to announce that the State of Alabama has taken possession of the Duncan Bridge located on Highway 41 over Lewis Smith Lake. 

According to the agreement between the State of Alabama, the Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Winston County, the State of Alabama will immediately take over the cost to maintain the bridge, the right of ways. 

All of the members of the Legislative delegation were thrilled that the county would no long incur the steep cost of maintaining the ageing bridge which serves as a vital point of access to all of the economic and recreational opportunities of Smith Lake. 

“This is a great deal for our region and one which will benefit everybody who lives in Walker, Winston and Cullman counties. Everybody in the region uses this highway so it is for the best that the state maintains the vital bridge” Sen. Greg Reed said. “This agreement will ensure that the bridge is well maintained and eventually upgraded. All told, this agreement will end up saving millions of dollars in the long term because of this transfer to the State of Alabama and the Department of Transportation. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in helping this plan become a reality.” Reed said. 

“As Smith Lake is a major travel destination for those of us in Cullman, I am thrilled that the State of Alabama is going to take over Duncan bridge and remove the financial burden of maintenance for the benefit of our area,” Senator Garlan Gudger said. “Over the years Winston County has spent millions in inspections and repairs and was looking at spending even more to upgrade it which would be a huge burden on the county. I would like to thank ALDOT for assuming reasonability for these projects.”

Representative Tim Wadsworth was pleased that after many years this issue was finally resolved. 

“As a young child growing up in Winston County, Duncan Bridge did not exist.  Vehicles traveled to Jasper, Alabama by means of a single cable ferry.  Then Lewis Smith Lake was formed, and Duncan Bridge was built 60 years ago. Now as a resident of Arley, Alabama and State Representative of the 14th District which includes Duncan Bridge, it is with great pride that we announce the acceptance by the State of Alabama of Duncan Bridge and part of Highway 41 for maintenance from this time forward. This accomplishment will have long lasting tax savings for Winston County residents,” Wadsworth said.

“Duncan Bridge was built 60 years ago when beautiful Lewis Smith Lake was formed. Winston County has maintained this beautiful landmark bridge for 50 years. Winston County incurs yearly $50,000 to $80,000 inspection costs. When Duncan Bridge is painted, Winston County spends $1,000,000 of local money.   When Duncan bridge must be replaced, Winston County would have spent $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 that it does not have.  Now this financial burden is off the backs of Winston County taxpayers.  The State of Alabama has assumed the responsibility of the cost of maintenance and ultimate replacement of Duncan Bridge and maintenance of part of State Highway 41.”

“We as your elected officials have worked hard to make this happen.  I thank Governor Kay Ivey, Highway Director John Cooper, Senator Reed, Senator Gudger, State Representatives, and members of the county commission for working together.  We will enjoy the fruits of this bridge and easement transfer and our Winston County’s grandchildren will enjoy the same benefits and reduced burden this in the future.   I thank all involved,” Wadsworth said. 

Greg Reed represents Senate District 5 in the Alabama State Senate, which includes all or parts of Walker, Fayette, Winston, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties. He serves as the Senate Majority Leader. Garlan Gudger represents Senate District 4 which includes all or parts of Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, and Winston counties. Tim Wadsworth represents House District 14 which includes all or parts of Jefferson Walker, and Winston counties. 

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