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As many are aware, Governor Andy Beshear’s County and City Bridge Replacement Program recently approved a $500,000 grant for the removal of the Jackson Street Bridge. 

Winchester is already beginning to reap the benefits. 

Recent action at the location of Jackson Street Bridge could be seen as construction crews began digging in preparation for inserting 6-inch and 14-inch insertion valves. 

The valves are being inserted prior to the impending demolition of the bridge in order to secure existing pipes. 

“What they’re [going to] do is find the [water] line so we can [add] the inserter valves, and that way, we don’t have to shut anything off,” said Jesse McCoy, a hybrid inspector with the City of Winchester. “They can isolate just this area.” 

Additionally, the water lines—estimated to have been in place since the 1950s—have shown some signs of deterioration. 

By taking such action, McCoy notes that the project will avoid causing disruptions to local residents or businesses. 

This is an especially prevalent concern with companies like G&J Pepsi-Cola and Leggett & Platt manufacturers located nearby. 

“The fourteen-inch [valve] serves Pepsi and Leggett & Platt, which use water for their processing. If that was to go out…it shuts them down completely,” McCoy added. “The six-inch [valve] is mostly the houses and…your hydrants. When you get into the bigger lines, that’s either sort of for transmission, or you get industrial use.” 

In time, plans are to insert new water lines. 

As of now, the dug holes are noticeable, with McCoy estimating them to be at least four-feet deep. 

McCoy mentioned that improved safety ratings and more will create new opportunities following construction. 

“Pepsi stopped using [the bridge] a couple years ago on their own…they just quit driving across it completely,” he said. “Once [the area] gets opened back up, they’ll have free reign…what I understand [is] laying it flat may be bringing back some work.” 

McCoy also anticipates that Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance will be followed.

While work on Jackson Street Bridge might be the most noticeable for now, though the completion of the project is a few months away, it is far from the only work Winchester will benefit from in the near future. 

Other planned projects include work on the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge.