Newberry County Council Ponders Removal of Rawls Road Bridge
Deliberations kick off on Road Improvements and Bridge Removal
Discussions regarding the removal of the Rawls Road bridge were the focal point at a recent work session conducted by the Newberry County Council on February 26, 2024. The session also touched upon matters related to Groggans Road and Fawn Court.
It was recommended by Councilmember Leon Fulmer that the residents of Groggans Road and Fawn Court bring these concerns before the County Transportation Commission (CTC). Residents had expressed that despite the road being private and used publicly, the authorities hadn’t paved it as promised years ago. Fulmer advised that the council would review available options if the CTC failed to provide a solution.
The Case for the Removal of Rawls Road Bridge
The session took an interesting turn when Russell Suber, a resident who owns land on both sides of a section of Rawls Road, expressed his wish for the bridge’s removal. He also proposed that a turnaround be built and the section of Rawls Road to Suber Road be shut as a county road.
In his appeal to the council, Suber stated his property had been encroached upon multiple times—it has become a favored hangout for local teens, faced issues with trespassing hunters, and been subject to car rides through his fields. More than privacy concerns however, he revealed his growing worry for his livestock’s safety.
Bridge Safety Concerns
Suber also presented multiple safety concerns related to the bridge. Following heavy rains, the structure becomes unstable, even featuring a significant hole that’s been ignored by careless drivers, leading to hazardous incidents. This presents a significant risk to motorists using the Rawls Road bridge. Suber’s points were backed by a signed petition from other residents of Rawls Road, who also favored the bridge removal and road closure on the Suber side for similar reasons.
Cost Savings and Reduced Law Enforcement Involvement
The group further pointed out that eliminating the bridge would save the county maintenance expenses. It was also suggested that it would lead to a subsequent decrease in illegal activities, resulting in fewer calls to law enforcement. The public support is fortified by the fact that all residents living on the road can still comfortably access their properties without this section of the road, or would not have to take a more extended route.
What’s next for Rawls Road
The Newberry County Council has scheduled a further discussion on the bridge closure for Wednesday, March 6, at their work session. Along with the bridge, the council will also discuss the county’s proposed nuisance ordinance.
This development resonates with the residents’ growing concern over the safety conditions, privacy infringements, and county resources’ optimal allocation in Newberry. Until the situation is resolved, the Rawls Road bridge continues to be a public hotspot and an ongoing debate at council meetings.
