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Old bridge to get new use in Kemp

Aug 16, 2008

The old iron bridge crosses the small creek on CR4061 with crossed planks. Its cross rails are covered with multi-colored graffiti.

It hardly looks like a historic monument. But it was built in the late 1800s and is possibly the last iron bridge in the county. The Texas Department of Transportation planned to dump it and replace it with a new, modern bridge. Jean Ann Ables-Flatt, chair of the county historical commission, wanted to save it.

At the same time, the Kemp Economic Development Corporation was working on a project to continue improving downtown park. There already is a pavilion and across the street, next to the Post Office, several acres they hope to develop into open space with walking trails.

But a creek cuts across the back part of the parkland and a bridge is needed. A little talk, a grant application, and a plan to move the old bridge to the park.

“This just kind of fell into place,” said Jody Deller, EDC president. There are new houses planned for the neighborhood. “This will give the kids a safe a way to walk to school instead of walking in the streets.”

The Kemp city council approved the plan this week. The EDC has applied for a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife for about $200,000 to help finish the park.

The bridge will almost free. TX Dot will donate it, the county will move and the EDC will pay to install it in the park. Ms. Deller said she believes volunteers will take care of much of that work.

The bridge can’t be moved until the new one is built – at least next summer.

The bridge also will give visitors a place to visit.

“Its a historic bridge and will probably get a historic marker,” Ms. Deller said.


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