County officials say they have been collecting data needed to estimate the costs of either constructing an alternate route for Pigeon Creek Bridge or building a new bridge. No decisions have been made, officials said.

On Tue., Sept. 11, Pigeon Creek Bridge was closed despite several concerns raised by citizens of Covington County. The commission adopted a resolution to acknowledge the urgency and importance of providing an alternate route for the residents of Pigeon Creek communities.

According to a press release from the Covington County Commission, estimates of costs to rebuild the bridge are from $2.5 million to $3.0 million. The cost estimates for construction of a new road, which would provide a direct route for residents to access Hwy. 55, south of Pigeon Creek Bridge, are from $450,000 to $600,000. The road would be less than one mile in length.

With the potential cost of savings of constructing the new road vs. a new bridge, steps have been taken towards right-of-way acquisition, according to the press release, this includes identifying route options, and discussion with affected landowners about land needed for a new road.

According to the press release, preliminary design work is already underway.

The commission has also had meetings with the Alabama Department of Transportation officials to identify funding sources for this project.

According to the press release, the discussions have been productive, and necessary steps will be taken at upcoming Commission meetings to formally establish this project, to commit county funds and enter necessary contracts.