By now you have probably noticed one of your favorite entrances into the city of Italy has been continually closed. This has certainly been an obstacle for commuters, especially for those driving back home from a long day at their job.

Nevertheless, the bridge construction taking place in front of the Italy cemetery is for the better. The previous bridge was in disrepair and too close for comfort whenever two vehicles would pass simultaneously, not to mention the wear and tear on our vehicles.

The superintendent on the bridge reconstruction is Jeff Ayers of TTG Utilities, LP out of Gatesville. Ayers has supervised bridge demolitions on 4 and even 7 lane highways but admits that the Couch Street Bridge is the toughest projects he has undertaken.

“The rainy weather and the hard white rock have made digging extremely difficult,” stated Ayers. Ayers also wanted the citizens of Italy to know the estimated time for completion of the project is 3 to 6 months. The terrain and the unpredictable Texas weather have made pinpointing a definite timeline impossible.

Ayers also mentioned, “Even the larger bridge demolitions we have worked are completed in a couple of days. The demolition of this much smaller bridge has already taken over two weeks.”

In meeting with the workers and having an opportunity to observe, they are very friendly and are working very hard. Therefore, I hope everyone will be patient with the construction crews while they travel in and out of the area. And hopefully, we will have a beautiful new entrance into our fair city.

Coming from Forreston, if you exit of Hwy. 77 onto Couch Street, you can enter the Italy cemetery on the right or turn left into the new addition of homes.

You may want to avoid leaving downtown Italy and turning on to Couch Street. The neighborhood between downtown and the Couch Street Bridge can still be accessed but it will be difficult to turn left onto N. Ward Street just before the bridge.

TTG Utilities, LP workers and the City of Italy appreciate your patience.