TVA Set to Begin Construction This Month on New Bridge Over Wilbur Dam Road

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. ― The Tennessee Valley Authority is set to begin construction work this month on a new bridge just downstream of the existing Wilbur Dam Road bridge near Elizabethton in Carter County.

The purpose of the project is to improve the safety and reliability of the bridge carrying Wilbur Dam Road over Wilbur Reservoir. The existing bridge provides the only vehicular access to TVA’s nearby Watauga Dam, its associated recreation facilities and a small number of neighboring residences.

This investment in a new Wilbur Dam Road bridge will ensure safe and reliable access for recreation around the Watauga Dam area for many years to come, supporting the local economy through ongoing recreation visitors. The new bridge’s modern construction will also help safely support the large-scale equipment necessary for hydro-maintenance projects at the clean-energy-producing dam.

To minimize impact to nearby residents and the public, TVA’s construction plan calls for completing the new bridge adjacent to the old structure, followed by closure and demolition of the existing bridge. During construction, there may be lane restrictions or closures for brief periods, heavy equipment traffic and construction-related noise. 

The existing bridge was assembled in 1942 from a repurposed railroad bridge dating to the 1890s. It is “load posted,” meaning it cannot handle normal highway loads and is required to be inspected annually.

TVA previously completed a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment of the bridge replacement project, which included a public open house and engagements with local residents and officials. Additionally, TVA obtained required permits from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and other local, state and federal regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the project.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies. To prepare for the future, TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission.

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. TVA maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation. TVA’s retail rates are lower than 80 percent of the rest of the nation, while its industrial rates are lower than 95 percent of the top utilities. In addition, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.