Work has started on a new bridge on Holmes Creek Road over Fall Creek just outside downtown Smithville.

After being closed for almost a year, Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss, at the monthly meeting of the city council last week, said that the contractor has cleared the site and construction was set to begin, which it did before the end of the week.

Twin K. Construction’s bid of $687,791 was the lowest of the five bids submitted and was recommended for approval by Professional Engineering Services in Sparta, the city’s engineer. Other costs, including engineering, design, and inspection fees, geotechnical exploration, right of way, a temporary construction easement, asbestos study, and permits, will bring the total cost to $778,655.

While some funding for the bridge, which has been closed since October 30, 2015, will come from the state's Bridge Grant Program, the city will still be on the hook for $196,625 in matching funds.

The city was forced to close the bridge after a Tennessee Department of Transportation Evaluation Report found various bridge deficiencies, and the agency declared it unsafe for travel.