RUTHERFORDTON – N.C. Department of Transportation engineers have closed the U.S. 64 bridge over U.S. 221 after a truck’s cargo struck the bridge early Monday morning.
Before sunrise, a tractor-trailer hauling a cargo container struck the bridge and dislodged part of the girder. NCDOT officials immediately closed the bridge, and inspectors confirmed the damage makes the bridge unsafe for to carry traffic.
Drivers headed both directions on U.S. 64 are taking a detour around the bridge. Drivers on U.S. 221 will be allowed to drive under the bridge as soon as Monday evening.
Westbound drivers are detoured to U.S. 221 North to Thompson Road then back to U.S. 64. Eastbound drivers are detoured to U.S. 221 South to U.S. 221A East, to Railroad Avenue and back to U.S. 64.
An exact timeframe to complete repairs is to be determined, but early estimates indicate that repairs will take two months. Lane closures on U.S. 221 will be necessary to complete the repairs, and those will be announced ahead of construction activities.
NCDOT inspects and maintains more than 18,000 structures across the state including more than 300 in Rutherford County alone.