Kayaker images cave-in close to just lately refurbished historic bridge over Finley River

OZARK, Mo. (KY3) – A kayaker is sharing photos he took of abrasion that seems to be inflicting a cave-in on the Mill Pond Bridge over the Finley River, elevating security considerations concerning the just lately refurbished historic construction.

Josh Marsh noticed the collapse beneath the southeast nook of the bridge whereas kayaking the Finley River. The erosion is troublesome to see from the street however is seen from the water.

“Obviously, this is such an iconic bridge in Ozark. Anyone who lives here, we know it, we love it. We’re very grateful to have such a historic bridge here,” Marsh stated.

Marsh stated he was doing his traditional loop across the bridge when he observed the cave-in the place the bridge meets the hillside.

“Obviously, I’m not an expert. I’m just a guy in a kayak. I want my community to be safe. I want to make sure everyone’s taken care of. I want to make sure that everyone’s aware, so that if it is an issue, it can be fixed,” Marsh stated.

A metropolis spokesperson stated Ozark first realized of the erosion in late February. The metropolis introduced in its Engineer of Record, Cochran Engineering, to evaluate the harm and has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA.

“People love to walk across it. People love to drive across it. So obviously, that’s just the big concern, safety, can it bear the weight of so many cars and trucks passing over it? Or is that a safety concern?” Marsh stated.

The metropolis stated it believes the erosion was most definitely brought on by tree development throughout the cracks within the concrete slabs. Crews are finalizing a mitigation plan and can work on repairs as soon as the design is full.

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