BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — The Grant Street Bridge in Bluefield has been closed, following a routine inspection Wednesday.
According to the West Virginia Division of Highways, “major structural deficiencies” were discovered during the course of the inspection.
Engineers will conduct additional inspections before an estimate will be made regarding a possible reopening of the structure, which was built in 1941.
The bridge crosses the railroad tracks, connecting Princeton Avenue and Wayne Street.
A 2017 inspection described the bridge’s structural and deck geometry as “basically intolerable, requiring a high priority of replacement.” At the time, the estimated cost to repair or replace the bridge was $5 million.
City and DOH officials said they recognize the inconvenience of closing the bridge with short notice, but made a decision based on public safety concerns.