Dandridge residents upset with TDOT plans to replace historic bridge

<TDOT is letting the public weigh in on what a new bridge in Dandridge should look like, but some residents say officials are ignoring the community's wishes.TDOT wants to tear down the State Route 92 bridge that stands over the French Broad River and build a new one.At Thursday's meeting, TDOT let community members share their thoughts on the color, lighting, and the bridge rail, but the main worry for residents isn't getting a new bridge, it's tearing down the old one.They admit the current bridge isn't fit for cars, but they say the historic bridge built in the 1940s should not be destroyed."There's no respect for the history. Dandridge is a historic town. That bridge is part of the history," said Dandridge resident Bonnie Morris.Instead, residents are asking TDOT to turn it into a pedestrian bridge for walkers and bicyclists.TDOT says it is still getting input on plans to replace the bridge.<