Construction on the new Highway 70 bridge in Elmwood has been temporarily stopped. Several residents in the Elmwood community contacted Smith County Insider about the delay. During our investigation, we contacted TDOT, and their community relations department stated that they are negotiating with the company contracted to build the new bridge and tear down the old one, Concrete Structures Inc. of Charlotte, TN, about how best to remove the old structure. TDOT stated that once the two parties come to an agreement on how the demolition process will be done, it will take approximately 3-4 months to tear down the old bridge. They also stated that it will have to be cut apart piece by piece, so as not to risk damaging the new structure; the new bridge was built only a few feet away from the old bridge. See pictures below.
