KRUM — One Denton County bridge has truly stood the test of time.

When the Plainview Road bridge over Hickory Creek was erected, Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House and World War I was five years away.

It was recently declared unsafe by state highway engineers, but because of its antique status, Denton County leaders decided to pluck it up and preserve it as part of a replacement project.

The hardest part was getting the old bridge to let go. The first struts were built in 1909.

Contractors spent a few hours Thursday morning cutting the beams and hammering the frame apart.

"This bridge has a part of Denton County history, especially here in Krum," said Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads.

Denton County will donate the 27,000 pound span to the city of Krum, where it will be re-installed in a park.

"We're excited about relocating it to its new location in the city, for pedestrian traffic," Eads said.

The new park is not yet built, but it is being designed around the bridge as a centerpiece.

Drivers on Plainview Road will have to detour several miles until the Texas Department of Transportation builds a bigger, stronger bridge.

E-mail jbrady@wfaa.com