Cordell Hull Bridge Closed Indefinitely To Inspect Cracked Beam

The Cordell Hull Bridge over the Cumberland River in Smith County will remain closed for several weeks to assess a crack found Wednesday.

TDOT Community Relations Officer Rebekah Hammonds said a 24-inch crack was found during a regular inspection.

“The location of it prompted them to go ahead and close the bridge,” Hammonds said. “It is on what’s called a fracture critical beam, so it is on a very important beam underneath the bridge.”

Hammonds said the state department at this point does not know just how critical the situation is. Hammonds said the crack is small relative to the bridge, but an inspection was needed for safety reasons.

Hammonds said finding a crack on a bridge that dates back to the 1930’s is not unusual. Hammonds said engineers are investigating the bridge further.

Hammonds said some 6,000 drivers use the roadway daily. You can utilize Upper Ferry Road or U.S. Hwy 70 North to the State Route 25 Bypass Bridge as an alternate route.