Contractors from the Tennessee Department of Transportation have begun to tear down an old bridge over the Caney Fork River near the Elmwood community.
Monday evening, crews dug a large hole next to the bridge so a backhoe could pull down part of the structure. It was a process that took several hours.
Part of the bridge was still standing. It was set to be torn down at a later date.
The old bridge is next to another newer U-S 70 North bridge that also goes over the Caney Fork River. It has been closed to traffic since January, after small cracks were discovered in the concrete pier caps that support the bridge's surface. Crews have been working to add additional columns for extra support.
Weather permitting, TDOT will hold a community meeting about the work being done on the new bridge Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Forks River Elementary School. Department officials will update residents about the repairs and timetable for the project.
The bridge was set to reopen in July. Detours will remain until then.
• Drivers traveling east on US 70N can take SR 53 South to access I-40 near Gordonsville or continue on SR 53 South to access SR 141 East. Follow SR 141 to SR 264 North to reconnect with US 70N.
• Drivers traveling west on US 70N can take SR 264 South to SR 141 West. Follow SR 141 to SR 53 North to access I-40 or continue on SR 53 to reconnect with US 70N.
