Two Benton County bridges are closed indefinitely after state inspectors found critical deficiencies during a routine inspection, the county announced Wednesday.
The closures affect the pony steel truss bridge over Muddy Creek on McFarland Road, located approximately a half-mile north of its intersection with Alpine Road, and a timber bridge over Hammer Creek on Williams Road just east of its intersection with Alpine Road.
Benton County Public Works said it was directed by the state to close both bridges until repairs can be completed. Both roads are signed as closed at their intersections with Alpine Road with additional signage directing traffic to alternate routes.
The closures took effect immediately and are expected to last at least a month, according to the county.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete this important bridge repair work,” Benton County Civil Engineer Mike Johnson said in a statement.
Updates on the closures and other road projects are available on the Benton County Public Works website.