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South Pittsburg High School pedestrian bridge updated after commissioner raises concerns

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ The pedestrian bridge reaches over South Cedar Avenue from South Pittsburg High School to Beene Stadium on Monday, April 13, 2026. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ The pedestrian bridge reaches over South Cedar Avenue from South Pittsburg High School to Beene Stadium on Monday, April 13, 2026.

By Ben Benton April 13, 2026 5 min read

Additional safety measures have been installed on South Pittsburg High School’s pedestrian bridge after a Marion County commissioner and a retired electrical switchyard foreman raised concerns about electrical grounding issues with the state fire marshal.

County Commissioner Ruric Brandt raised the alarm in a letter to the state fire marshal over the proximity of high-voltage power lines along South Cedar Avenue to a metal pedestrian bridge extending from the high school to its football stadium and other facilities across the street, according to documents provided by the Fire Marshal’s Office. The bridge is primarily used by students and staff at the school.

Brandt’s complaint also included input from Ron Rankin, identified as a 42-year retired employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority who worked as a foreman for the federal agency.

“Conductor breakage, excessive sag or vehicular damage to supporting poles could bring live conductors onto the bridge, creating fatal hazards,” Brandt wrote in the complaint calling for an inspection. “This is a life-safety issue, including for school access.”