BLUE RIDGE, GA – Commissioners signed a memorandum with GDOT agreeing to keep the existing Shallowford Bridge while GDOT constructs a new two-lane structure.

Scheduled to begin construction in spring 2021, the new two-lane bridge will take around a year to complete. Until then, the existing truss bridge will remain in place. GDOT will bear the total cost of the new bridge.

In the memorandum, the county takes over the liability and maintenance of the original Shallowford Bridge once GDOT completes the new structure.

The two-lane bridge will provide additional safety benefits for the county with an increased weight limit for larger trucks, safety vehicles, and school buses to use. Currently, a 7-ton limit exists on Shallowford Bridge.

“If we do not agree or sign this memorandum, then GDOT will demo the bridge, and this old 101-year-old bridge that is part of Fannin County history would be lost forever,” explained Chairman Stan Helton.
Shallowford Bridge would permanently close to car traffic, and the county will decide on future use, either leave it open to pedestrians or close it altogether.

Previous concepts of the new bridge from GDOT.

Citizens of Fannin County expressed their desire to save Shallowford Bridge, and professional engineers will determine the best way to go about the project.

“Certainly sometime in the future, money will have to be spent on this bridge. How much will be determined on what kind of use we have,” stated Helton.

Post one Commissioner Earl Johnson agreed saving Shallowford Bridge is the best route to go for the county, “It’s part of a long line of history for the county. It’s going to cost money to maintain it, but I think it’s money well spent. I can’t remember a time people didn’t refer to Shallowford Bridge as Shallowford Bridge.”

Additionally, Johnson asked if GDOT could provide an update on Madola Rd. Bridge in the next meeting.