FRUITLAND – Heavy rains Tuesday and the ensuing runoff undermined the stability of a bridge on South Mills Gap Road, forcing N.C. Department of Transportation crews to close the bridge.
Engineers are developing a plan to replace the 70-year-old bridge over Clear Creek in the coming months.
The new bridge will meet modern construction standards, with wider lanes, taller guardrail, and the capacity to carry heavier trucks.
Due to the closure, drivers are being directed on a 2-mile detour utilizing Fruitland Road and U.S. 64.
NCDOT inspects and maintains more than 18,000 structures across the state, including more than 200 in Henderson County.