GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Construction is in full swing on a troubled bridge in an eastern Carolina city, but people who live nearby have mixed feelings about it.
The Oxford Road Bridge was closed on November 4, forcing motorists to turn around and find alternative routes. Built in 1966 and owned by the city of Greenville, it was the main road into the Brook Valley area. Now, residents like Terry Hatoum are having trouble finding different ways to get in and out.
“It usually takes two or three minutes to go to something like a Lowe's or Food Lion,” Hatoum said. “Now I have to go around the neighborhood.”
The bridge was closed in January. An inspection by the North Carolina Department of Transportation revealed that some concrete rebar was exposed, some spans supporting the bridge had sunk 2 inches, and ultimately the bridge was showing its age.
“It was being eroded by the floodwaters,” said Peter Geiger, who lives near the bridge.
It later reopened after a stop light was installed to allow only one lane of traffic through at a time, which Hatoum said was fine.
“That means you can leave it alone without spending any money,” Hatoum said. “It went well.”
Geiger goes swimming every morning at the Aquatic and Fitness Center and has decided to extend his trip. But he says it's a small price to pay and asks for patience as crews work hard to make the bridge safe for residents and the community.
“With a little patience, we will reopen and be better than ever,” Geiger said.
Although a hassle, neighbors say the construction has had positive effects, such as reducing car traffic and making the neighborhood feel more like a park in some ways.
It will take until this spring for crews to build a new bridge across Bells Branch Creek.
Copyright 2024 WITN. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
