DANDRIDGE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Signs identifying the President Donald Trump Bridge in Jefferson County have been removed after what state officials say was an act of vandalism.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation confirmed that two signs marking the bridge’s name were taken down after being vandalized. TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi said the signs are expected to be replaced later this week.
The bridge spans the French Broad River in Dandridge and was formerly known as the I-40 Douglas Lake Bridge before being renamed in honor of President Donald Trump.
The bridge dedication drew significant attention across East Tennessee and featured several prominent state and federal elected officials. Those attending the naming ceremony included:
- Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally
- U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
- U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty
- U.S. Representative Tim Burchett
- State Senator Jessie Seal
- State Representative Jeremy Faison
The renaming ceremony highlighted the bridge’s new designation and attracted supporters and public officials from across Tennessee.
TDOT has not released details about the nature of the vandalism or identified any suspects. Officials have not said when the damage occurred, but the agency confirmed that replacement signs have already been ordered and are expected to be installed in the coming days.
The bridge remains open to traffic, and the removal of the signs has not affected travel along Interstate 40 through Jefferson County.
State transportation officials are encouraging anyone with information regarding the vandalism to contact the appropriate authorities as the incident is investigated.
