On behalf of many Hampton District residents, we want

On behalf of many Hampton District residents, we want to publicly acknowledge and thank those persons instrumental in renovating the bridge over the Rush River on Hunters Road on route 621. Recent downgrading of this bridge from 19 to 6-ton capacity caused fire equipment not to be able to use it. Fire trucks would have needed to make a significant detour to any of the 40-plus residences or property on Grand View and Hunters Road. Since the neighborhood had experienced a major house fire last year, this was bad news, indeed. Our district supervisor, Bryant Lee, was very responsive and helpful to our cause. Working with VDOT officials including Garrett Moore, Doug Bywaters and David Cubbage, he effected the scheduled renovations acceleration by several months. The VDOT crew began work after Christmas. They were all professional, achieving partial demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new in just a few working days, in spite of marginal weather. They also answered our many questions with good humor as they worked. So, thanks to these folks — as well as Fire Chief Ann Spieker who brought the problem to our attention — “our” new bridge reopened to traffic Jan. 7. It is safe to say that those of us who depend on the bridge won’t be taking it for granted any more. Tom Pendergast Gene Botsford Washington