By Jessie Burchettejburchette@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS ó Repairing a bridge on the road leading to Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium is turning out to be a bit more complicated than adding stone and concrete.
The bridge isn’t part of the N.C. Department of Transportation system. It was built by Rowan County and the city of Kannapolis as part of the stadium project in 1995.
And the bridge sits on land owned by the city of Concord.
The bridge on Stadium Drive off Lane Street in Kannapolis was damaged by heavy rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay on Aug. 27.
It has been closed since then. Although the Intimidators baseball season is over, Stadium Drive is a popular cut-through between Moose Road and Lane Street.
Ken Deal, director of administration for Rowan County, said the bridge appears to be OK. The problem is the approach to the bridge on the south, or Lane Street side, has washed out.
“The damage is not as severe as first thought,” Deal said, estimating the repair may cost less than $20,000.
“It may be as simple as putting in dirt, concrete and gravel,” said Deal, adding this is the first time the problem has occurred.
He has been in contact with Kannapolis officials, who plan to have an engineer check out the bridge and wash-out.
Deal also plans to talk with Concord officials to make sure repairing the bridge is OK with them. The bridge is located on land owned by the city of Concord, which surrounds Lake Fisher, which is adjacent to the stadium.
Deal said the bridge may belong to the city of Concord.
Rowan County and the city of Kannapolis, which own the stadium, have a limited easement for the driveway.
In addition to getting agreement on repairing the bridge, Deal is also working to get agreement on a cost-sharing arrangement.