EMA has been assured by ALDOT that there is no immediate threat to public safety."Phyllis Little, director Cullman County EMA
HUNTSVILLE – Alabama Department of Transportation geotechnical engineers have inspected the slope and retaining wall at the U.S. Highway 278 bridge over Kugler Creek in Cullman County and are in the process of gathering further information needed to recommend measures for remediation.
Current conditions pose no immediate danger to the traveling public. ALDOT personnel are monitoring the stability of all roadways, slopes and bridges in the immediate vicinity and will take action, including closure of the affected roadways and bridges, if warranted by a change in conditions.
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The bridge is located on U.S. Highway 278 west of Cullman. It was constructed almost five years ago. Concerns over the safety of the structure have risen greatly over the past several days, as visible cracks and crumbling rocks have appeared in the huge retaining wall under the bridge, along with cracks in the hillside along the north and west sides.
When reached for comment, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said, "The sheriff’s office is currently keeping a vigilant check on the road and the bridge to report any changes to ALDOT."
According to a spokesperson for ALDOT, "(The bridge) is being monitored daily, in person by ALDOT personnel. Engineering judgment by department engineers will make the determination of any road closure need."
This is a developing story.
