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Department of Highways, District 6
Parina Pike Bridge in Bracken County Celebrates Completion
Parina Pike Bridge Celebrates Completion
Bridge had been closed since the 1997 Flood
Covington, Kentucky – (August 31, 2006) - Today, local and state officials along with several residents of Bracken and Robertson counties met at the Licking River to formally dedicate the completion and opening of the new Parina Pike Bridge. The celebration was definitely appropriate since this area of passage had been closed since the 1997 flood.
“I am pleased that the new Parina Pike Bridge is now complete and opened for the citizens in this area,” said Secretary of Transportation Bill Nighbert. “This bridge is another fine product from the Transportation Cabinet.”
The bridge located on County Route 1116 in Bracken County was shifted off of its foundation from the rising waters of the Licking River in the1997 flood. Transportation officials deemed the bridge unsafe and closed the structure. In November of 2005, Jones & Bourland Inc. of Prestonsburg, Kentucky was awarded the low bid contract for $910,393.91.
“This is a day that folks in Bracken and Robertson counties have waited a long time to see arrive,” said Chief District Engineer of District 6, Tom Schomaker. “The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet knows that projects, both large and small have a big impact on the people who live here.”
State Senator Charlie Borders (R-Grayson) followed by saying, “I am extremely pleased that the Transportation Cabinet continues to work with those of us at the regional and local level to improve the roads and bridges in our region of the state.” He continued saying, “Safety and access to quality roads and bridges are essential to the well being of our community.”
Mike Denham, State Representative (D-Maysville) added, “The new Parina Pike Bridge will make it much safer for the citizens of Bracken County and it will bring accessibility to the area.”
Tom McKee, State Representative (D-Cynthiana) replied, “I am proud to be a part of this special day as we reopen this important transportation link for the good people of Robertson and Bracken counties.” He continued saying, “With the high cost of energy it is important that the residents can travel to their destinations in the quickest manner possible.”
Judge Executive of Bracken County, Leslie Newman said that “The residents of this area have been handicapped for a long time without the use of the bridge.” He followed by saying, “The new bridge will definitely be a great asset for both Bracken and Robertson counties.”
Bradley Gifford, County Judge Executive of Robertson County said, “I am pleased that the Parina Pike Bridge is done. It’s been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.”
The old Parina Pike Bridge (CR 1116 Bridge) was a steel Pratt through truss that was composed of five sections along each side. This structure featured five top panels, portal struts at each end and was crafted of latticework bracing. The bridge had a wood deck and rested upon a wet laid stone foundation. That bridge was built in 1925 and was 111’ long and 12.9’ wide.
The new structure is a 269 foot structure with two spans that has 12 foot lanes and two foot shoulders.
The old Parina Pike Bridge
Robertson County State Maintenance Crew, Bracken County Maintenance Crew, Bracken County Judge Executive Leslie Newman, former Bracken County Judge Pie Jett, Robertson County Judge Executive Brad Gifford, Chief District Engineer Tom Schomaker, State Representative Tom McKee and State Representative Mike Denham along with several magistrates, county officials and local residents cut the ribbon on the completion of the Parina Pike Bridge.
The new Parina Pike Bridge
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