Fannin County officials closed a bridge last week after a state inspection discovered deficiencies in the structure.
The bridge on Newport Road was closed Thursday afternoon, October 14, soon after the deficiencies were found, Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley said.
Closing the bridge also prevents any through traffic on the road.
Hensley said he was not sure how long the bridge would be closed, but a bridge specialist was to be at the site yesterday, Tuesday, October 19, to study the problem and determine the best way to fix the bridge.
Hensley said as soon as that is done, work will begin immediately.
The bridge is on Newport Road over Noontootla Creek just after turning onto Newport from Aska Road.
Hensley explained there is a detour for travelers.
Motorists heading out Aska Road from Blue Ridge to the Big Creek area can turn right onto Black Ankle Lane just past Fire Station No. 3. Then, turn onto Black Ankle Creek Road to connect back onto Newport Road just past the closure.
Hensley estimated the route to be about a mile and a half long.