Putnam County and Smith County targeted for a new federal grant to repair the railroad bridge over the Caney Fork River.
The state will receive a total of $23.7 million to repair some 42 rail bridges statewide that are past their lifespan or need immediate repairs. The bridges are on ten different short lines, mostly in rural areas.
The disrepair of the Caney Fork Bridge led to the end of spring and fall train trips from Nashville to Baxter and Monterey. Train speeds were reduced by rail officials because of the conditions. That turned the trips into an all-day ordeal. The trips brought tourists to the communities, spending money at local stores and restaurants, especially during the fall foliage season.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the bridge repairs will help, but there also appear to be problems on the rails that serve the stretch from Carthage to Monterey.
The Caney Fork River serves as the county line between Smith and Putnam Counties. A bridge in Cumberland County will also be repaired.
The state provided another $85 million in TDOT money two years ago to help improve the short line service. According to the state, most of the bridges are timber structures that need to be rebuilt.
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