Tellico Plains, TN (WOKI) The Bald River Falls Bridge in Tellico Plains is closing. Constructed in 1933, the bridge is now deteriorating putting the safety of both pedestrians and vehicular traffic at risk.
“It’s not uncommon to come down there, and there’s twenty people on the bridge, taking photos” said U.S Forestry Service Public Affairs Officer Christopher Joyner. “When you pop up on the bridge, often times you’ll see somebody taking a picture and backing right into traffic. I’ve had it happen in the Forest Service rig. It’s a very dangerous situation.”
A replacement bridge, expected to be completed by summer 2024, is in the works to include an observation deck, which will allow pedestrians to use the bridge and view the falls safely.
The bridge is slated to close and work to begin on Monday, August 21.
While work is in progress, the bridge and adjacent areas will be closed to foot and vehicular traffic, but Tellico River Road will remain open.
