PITTSBORO - The N.C. Department of Transportation has temporarily closed the Rocky River Bridge on Chatham Church Road due to safety concerns from deterioration of steel components.
The 104-year-old bridge will be closed indefinitely as the department determines potential transportation solutions for the structure.
In recent years, NCDOT has reduced the posted weight limit from 11 tons to 5 tons to reduce the size of the vehicles crossing the bridge.
NCDOT follows the National Bridge Inspections Standards and ensures each bridge is inspected at least every two years, including about 150 in Chatham County.
Motorists are advised to use the following detour route:
- North on Chatham Church Road
- Right on Johnny Shaw Road
- Left on Center Grove Church Road
- Right on Mount View Church Road
- South on U.S. 15/501
- Right on Walter Bright Road
- Right on Wade Bright Road
- Right on Asbury Church Road to Chatham Church Road