August 21st, 2018 by WCBC Radio
About 50 people attended a meeting of the Washington Street Association last evening at the Gordon Roberts House, and we expect a good representation will show up at tonight's Cumberland Mayor and City Council Meeting.
Many in the group are afraid that city representatives are about to approve a deal which would result in repairs to the Cumberland and Fayette Street bridges, and an adjustment in clearance on Greene Street, in exchange for the removal of the Washington Street Bridge.
Representatives of the group had presented design alternatives to city officials as far back as December, with price estimates far below what had been quoted earlier. They say that city engineers will not consider any solution which would not meet federal guidelines for the ability to observe traffic, which rules out any bridge that would have an arch.
The fear in the group is that if the Washington Street Bridge is removed, it will never be replaced. Delegate Mike McKay, who lives on Washington Street, told the association that individuals needed to make their voices heard, either through commentary during the upcoming public meetings, or via phone call to each of the members of City Council.
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