A small bridge in the Sargent community is still giving the Coweta County commissioners a case of heartburn.

Commission Chairman Lawrence Nelms lashed out at critics of replacing the bridge on Henry Bryant Road Tuesday and said they were overstating the environmental impact of replacing the bridge.

“Very few people who are making comments have even seen that bridge,” Nelms said.

The bridge is being replaced and curves are being straightened on the road to make it safer for all residents, Nelms added.

The bridge has been the center of a two-month controversy that has pitted a group of environmentalists against the Coweta County Commission.

The group wanting the bridge saved says the area represents a beautiful, pristine area that should not be disturbed.

In earlier discussions, Don Bryant, who lives on the road named for his grandfather, owns 17 acres and has no problem with the county replacing the bridge.

He does have a problem with the county altering the road, which he believes will destroy a “sweet spot worth saving.”

Bryant said numerous types of wildlife occupy the area and straightening the road would destroy the animals' habitat and devastate one of the prettiest areas in the county.

The long-time resident also disputed the county's contention that he had received $24,000 for part of his property that would have to be condemned to build the road.

But county attorney Mitch Powell said the money had been accepted by Bryant's attorney and was in an escrow account.

“He did that without my knowledge,” Bryant said.

Bryant also said the county would be spending $700,000 to replace the bridge and alter the road. If the county only replaced the bridge, the cost would be $100,000.

Chairman Lawrence Nelms disputed the figures, saying the project won't go out for bids until this month.

Other members of Bryant's family beseeched the board to consider their wishes and leave the road in place.

Commissioner Charlie Jones said he understood the family's concern, but said he has to consider what is best for the entire county.

“Why should four families take away from the rest of the county?” he said.

The commissioners said the road could serve as an alternate road for travel between Newnan and Carrollton, but said they would consider the citizens' comments.

Nelms offered to meet with any residents at any time and show them what the county's plans are.

“All we're trying to do is remove a defunct bridge,” he said.

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