Matlock, local officials try to save Fort Loudoun Dam bridge
LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (AP) – Supporters of the Fort Loudoun Dam bridge in East Tennessee have mounted an effort to save it from demolition next year.
The Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1EoA4Ux) reports Republican state Rep. Jimmy Matlock of Lenoir City has joined some local officials in the initiative to preserve the 52-year-old span and its magnificent views for use by pedestrians and bicyclists.
The demolition is part of Tennessee Department of Transportation project that will widen U.S. Highway 321. As part of the $69 million project, three new bridges will be built in the area.
The Tennessee Valley Authority, which owns the bridge, said on Monday that there would be safety and liability concerns in preserving the bridge, even for foot traffic.
