STIVERS’S SENATE BILL 261 PROVIDES FOR SWINGING BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AT LOCAL LEVEL

STIVERS’S SENATE BILL 261 PROVIDES FOR SWINGING BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AT LOCAL LEVEL

Bridges may be maintained by cities or counties based on local needs and agreements

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 12, 2026)—Senate Bill (SB) 261, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, will help preserve pedestrian swinging bridges, a critical infrastructure element in Kentucky’s eastern region. SB 261 has passed the full Senate and may now be taken up by the House of Representatives.

SB 261 allows county fiscal courts to provide for the care and maintenance of pedestrian swinging bridges. The measure also extends liability protections to landowners who lease property to local governments for the purpose of maintaining these bridges.

Pedestrian swinging bridges have long served as important community landmarks, particularly in eastern Kentucky, providing both historic connections across waterways and unique recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Swinging bridges also serve as an appealing, unique tourist attraction to the eastern region's charm.



The legislation comes as many of these structures have fallen into disrepair and pose a danger to anyone traversing them. Increased severe flooding in recent years has negatively impacted these bridges and the communities that depend on them as a critical link in eastern Kentucky life.  

“Pedestrian swinging bridges are part of the heritage and identity of many eastern Kentucky communities,” Stivers said. “After the flooding we’ve experienced in recent years, it’s more important than ever that local governments have the latitude to maintain these structures so families and visitors can continue to enjoy them safely.”

Stivers noted that the measure also provides important legal clarity for landowners who partner with local governments to preserve these bridges for public use.

“By providing reasonable liability protections, this legislation encourages cooperation between property owners and local governments so these bridges can remain accessible for personal, recreation and public enjoyment,” Stivers said. “It’s a practical step to help preserve a small but meaningful part of Kentucky’s history while supporting outdoor tourism and community pride.”

SB 261 reflects ongoing efforts to support rural communities and maintain the unique cultural and recreational assets that make Kentucky’s Appalachian region special.