Crews with MODOT are closing a small section of highway 17 today to make repairs to a bridge. The Bridge is over Gunters Creek or the Middle Fork of the Eleven Point River. MODOT says the bridge will remain closed through November while repairs are being made.
Engineers say that rust and corrosion have taken their toll on the bridge that was built in the 1940’s, using steel and reinforced concrete. Now, steel re-bar is visible where chucks of concrete are missing. People are asked to use alternate routes around the construction. The new bridge will be 13 feet longer and 4 feet wider than the current bridge. But most importantly, it will be safer. Weather permitting the new bridge will be ready by November 10th at a cost just under $600,000.