Work to replace the last bridge made of timber in the county is complete and the bridge is now open to traffic.

County engineer Les Dungan said the bridge is located on Hickory Grove Road, off Highway 13 in the north east part of Pearl River County. He said it was one of the last bridges made entirely of timber that needed replacement.

Dungan said the county replaced the bridge utilizing state funding through the Local System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program.

The total cost of construction was $303,000.

“The new bridge is 140 feet in length and took approximately eight weeks to complete construction,” Dungan said.

He said there are still approximately 30 bridges in the county that are supported by timber piling that need to be replaced.

Dungan said county workers are expected to begin repair work on two bridges on Progress Road.

“We are also waiting for funds to become available in order to advertise for bids (for work on) the bridge on Nelly Burks Road,” Dungan said.