Safety concerns lead to bridge closure

Safety concerns have prompted Jefferson County Commissioners Court to vote to close a bridge that had served as a detour to people in the southern part of the county during construction of a new bridge over Hillebrandt Bayou.

Commissioner Mark Domingue told KFDM News divers have discovered several fractures in the Humble Camp Road bridge. Commissioners met at 3 p.m. Wednesday and voted to close the Humble Camp Road bridge until repairs can be made.

The bridge has served as a detour to drivers during construction of a new bridge over Hillebrandt Bayou, about one mile from Highway 365. Construction of the new bridge began about two months ago.

Domingue says drivers who live north of the Humble Camp Road bridge will have to detour to West Port Arthur Road and then to Highway 124.

The Humble Camp Road Bridge is on a list of bridges scheduled to be replaced because of damage from Hurricane Ike. Domingue says the county will seek expedited funding from the Governor's Office to replace that bridge.

First responders, including law enforcement officers, fire and EMS will have to take the longer route to get to citizens once the Humble Camp Road Bridge is closed.

Stay with KFDM News for more on the story.