Bethel Springs says they cannot afford to repair Old Highway 45
BETHEL SPRINGS, Tenn. — Drivers cutting through Bethel Springs may find their vehicles in need of repairs. City leaders say the stretch of “Old 45” that runs through a part of town is so bumpy, it’s damaging cars and they can’t afford to fix it. For more than 25 years, a section of Highway 45 running east and west has been property of Bethel Springs and Selmer. “It’s gotten worse over the years and when you finally do get a pot hole in the road, they come pour some tar on it and the only way it gets packed down is when we drive our cars on it,” Bethel Springs resident Michael Harris said. Harris works in Selmer as a mechanic. He says driving over the highway is like riding in a wagon on a gravel road. City officials say they know the road is in bad shape. The posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour. Harris says even that is too fast to avoid car damage. “Everything as far as shocks, struts tires and alignment. If you catch it in the right spot, it may even do some slight motor damage to your vehicle at that time,” Harris said. Driver Dawn Harris says the road’s condition makes her detour. “I won’t even drive Old 45 anymore,” Dawn said. “I go up and take the bypass because I’m just not going to take the wear and tear on my car.” The city says they have asked for help from the state, but were denied the request.
