Nulltown Bridge shut down indefinitely after post-flood dive inspection reveals severe damage

FAYETTE COUNTY — The Nulltown Bridge on County Road 480 South, officially designated as Bridge 65, is closed until further notice after an underwater inspection revealed that recent floodwaters severely compromised the structure’s foundation.

Fayette County officials ordered the specialized inspection following high water in August along the river. What divers discovered beneath the surface prompted an immediate shutdown of the crossing.

County Commissioner Dale Strong said swift currents scoured away massive amounts of the riverbed supporting the bridge’s substructure, leaving the foundation dangerously exposed.
“Three of the seven piers are basically standing on stilts,” Strong said. “The material from the riverbed washed right out from under it. The bridge is simply unsafe.”

According to reports divers reported that only about 8 feet of the original 18-foot pilings remain embedded in the river bottom. With roughly 10 feet of supporting material washed downstream, engineers warned that the span is at severe risk of failing under regular vehicle weight or during any future high-water events.

Strong noted that the county’s contracted engineering firm had the authority to order an immediate emergency closure based solely on their initial preliminary findings.

To ensure no one attempted to cross, the Fayette County Highway Department positioned dump trucks across the approaches. Road crews will return Monday morning to place concrete barriers, completely sealing off access from both sides.

The closure is absolute. It applies to passenger cars, commercial haulers, farm equipment, bicycles, and foot traffic.

Strong emphasized that the fix will not be quick or simple. Because the destruction stemmed from a major flood event, Strong explained that all repairs will have to meet strict federal engineering standards, which typically govern major structural rehabilitations and potential disaster-relief funding projects.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this causes folks down here, but this is entirely about public safety,” Strong said.

County leaders expect to receive the engineering firm’s complete written report and technical assessment later next week, which should offer a clearer picture of repair scopes, timelines, and costs. In the meantime, drivers who use County Road 480 South should plan for long-term detours.