TDOT Formally Opens and Re-dedicates New Cocke County Bridge

[img:1 align=float_left]The New Major J.T. Huff Bridge Offers Wider Lanes for Safer Travel

 

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation officials joined State Representative Eddie Yokley and State Senator Steve Southerland to formally open and re-dedicate the new Major J.T. Huff Bridge on U.S. Highway 25/70 (State Route 9) in the Bridgeport community of Cocke County today. 

 

The new concrete bridge replaces the original four span steel through truss structure built in 1933. The old bridge was only 20 feet wide, was classified as structurally deficient and was posted with a weight limit, so in 2007 TDOT started work to replace the aging structure. Today, motorists have a new modern bridge that is more than twice the width with two 12 foot lanes and two 10 foot shoulders.[img:2 align=float_right]

 

“This modern structure offers safer travel with widened lanes and shoulders to give motorists a sense of security as they cross the French Broad River,” TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said. “We are also pleased to rededicate this bridge to a man beloved in the Bridgeport community.”

 

“The upgrade of safety on this bridge is not only reassuring, it is also a great addition to the landscape in the Bridgeport community,” Representative Eddie Yokley said. “The Major J.T. Huff Bridge now has the stability to remain a tribute for decades to come.”

 

Several descendants of Major J.T. Huff attended the ceremony to rededicate the bridge in his honor, including his great, great, granddaughter Jessie Huff and her father Stephen Huff. Todd Cureton and his son William Edward Cureton also helped to cut the ribbon on the bridge in honor of their maternal great great grandfather. Todd Cureton is a TDOT employee following in the footsteps of his father Bill Cureton and paternal grandfather William Cureton. Penny Clark Ervin spoke on behalf of the Huff family.

 

“This new bridge provides a safer route into Newport and Cocke County and can accommodate all vehicles,” said Senator Steve Southerland. “I’m pleased to be here today to re-dedicate the new bridge to Major Huff and to open this safer, wider new bridge.”

 

When construction is completely finished, travelers will also have added access to the French Broad River. TDOT is partnering with TWRA to create a park and float location which will provide parking and access to the river for fisherman and people wishing to canoe or kayak. The entrance to the park and float is currently under construction. 

 

The entire project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

 

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