State Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville,and State Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, announced the Goshen Valley Bridge will be replaced with support from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, and State Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, announced the Goshen Valley Bridge will be replaced with support from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
In collaboration with Hawkins County leadership and state lawmakers, TDOT has agreed to manage the project and will soon begin the engineering and right-of-way (ROW) phases.
“For decades, the Goshen Valley Bridge has been a familiar and essential route for me and countless others in our area,” Hicks said. “This announcement marks an exciting step forward for Hawkins County and the surrounding region. I’m beyond grateful for our strong local leadership and invaluable support from TDOT that made this possible.”
While the bridge has remained safe for travel, TDOT placed a 10-ton weight limit on two-axle vehicles following a recent inspection that identified maintenance concerns and confirmed the overall need for replacement.
“The Goshen Valley Bridge has been a critical part of how residents get to work, school and essential services every day,” Hill said. “These improvements will make a real difference for families, commuters and first responders alike. I’m thankful to everyone who helped move this project forward and ensure the safety of our communities for many years to come.”
Built in 1964, the bridge stretches 874 feet across the Holston River in Hawkins County and connects communities including Rogersville, McPheeters Bend and Church Hill.
“The Goshen Valley Road Bridge is a vital connection for our community, and its condition has raised real safety concerns,” Harshbarger said. “I’m proud to have worked with TDOT, Rep. Hicks and Rep. Hill to find a solution that saves Hawkins County money and moves us toward a long-term solution. With TDOT managing the project and using federal bridge funds, we’re positioning this replacement to move forward efficiently. I’m also thankful for the continued investment and dedication from Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly in strengthening infrastructure across Tennessee.”
Since 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly has allocated more than $4 billion to TDOT to expedite existing road projects and fund new infrastructure across both rural and urban areas of the state.
“Hawkins County greatly appreciates TDOT for assuming responsibility for the replacement of the Goshen Valley Bridge,” Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte said. “This outcome is the result of a strong collaborative effort among State Reps. Gary Hicks and Timothy Hill, and State Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, working closely with county leadership. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when local, state and federal officials come together to address vital infrastructure needs for our communities.”
TDOT plans to use federal off-system bridge funding for the project. This funding supports the repair or replacement of bridges that are not part of the federal or state highway system.
Preliminary engineering for the replacement is expected to begin in 2026, according to TDOT.
Gary Hicks represents House District 9 which includes Hancock and part of Claiborne and Hawkins counties.
Timothy Hill represents House District 3 which includes Johnson and part of Carter, Hawkins and Sullivan counties.
Bobby Harshbarger represents Senate District 4 which includes Hawkins and Sullivan counties. ###