On Monday, December 16, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) convened a pre-construction meeting at the Old Stone Fort State Park Museum to discuss plans for removing the historic Pratt Truss Bridge. This meeting marked a significant step in the state's efforts to relocate the bridge within the park.
Initially, TDOT planned to begin clearing the area around the bridge on January 28; however, this timeline has now been postponed.
A coalition of concerned citizens, including the Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation Group, has actively opposed the removal of the bridge. These citizens have engaged in numerous discussions with state officials regarding their concerns. On January 22, 2025, Sarah Bradley, a member of the preservation group, received an email from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) indicating that the bridge replacement process had been delayed. A hearing by the Administrative Procedures Division is now scheduled for May 2025.
The Pratt Truss Bridge, which features a wooden driving surface, was originally constructed in 1906 and spanned the Elk River at Dabbs Ford. It was relocated to Manchester in 1971 and underwent rehabilitation in 2009, preserving its historical significance for future generations.
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