HOUSTON COUNTY, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) -The Houston County Highway Department has received a notification from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) stating that the bridge on White Oak Road, over White Oak Creek (also known as Magnolia bridge) requires extensive repairs and/or a rebuild.
If the required repairs and/or rebuild are not completed within fourteen (14) days of receipt of their letter, dated February 10, TDOT is requiring the bridge remain closed until the terms are met. Houston County offices have contacted an Engineer as well as a bridge contractor to discuss repair options.
The closure date for the bridge is set for February 24.
Once the repairs are made, an inspection is required by TDOT. If this process isn’t completed within the fourteen-day timeline, then the bridge must be closed until it is approved by TDOT.
The Houston County Highway Department is posting “5 Ton Weight Limit” signs at the approaches of the bridge. There will also be a warning sign at the intersection of Highway 147 and White Oak Road and one at the intersection of Highway 147 and Cooley Ford Road. These two signs will indicate the weight limit as well as the amount of mileage ahead for the bridge.
Drivers may elect to begin planning alternate routes due to the weight limit restriction or in the event of bridge closure. Houston County officials acknowledge this will be an inconvenience to the citizens of Houston County, EMS, School Bus Drivers and Postal Workers.
Officials are working hard to make sure the closure time, if any, is minimal.
For any questions or comments, please call the Houston County Highway Department at 931-289-4151.