FAIRVIEW, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Several bridges in the Fairview area have new or reduced weight limits, prompting warnings for heavy trucks and changes to emergency response routes, according to the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation posted updated weight limit signs on multiple bridges Tuesday, including the Hollywood Road bridge over Ashworth Creek. The bridge, which was destroyed during Tropical Storm Helene and later replaced with a temporary structure, is now limited to 15 tons or 30,000 pounds.
Fire officials said heavy trucks have continued to use Hollywood Road in recent months, including fire apparatus that will now be unable to cross the bridge. Drivers of vehicles exceeding the weight limit are urged to use alternate routes, including Garren Creek Road to Hollywood Road or the opposite end of Sugar Hollow Road.
The new restriction will also affect emergency response, the department said. In the event of a fire in the area, smaller fire vehicles will be dispatched first, while larger apparatuses will be forced to detour around the bridge, resulting in longer response times for heavier equipment.
Additional bridge weight changes in Fairview include:
- Whitaker Road bridge closest to Old Fort Road, now limited to 15 tons.
- Whitaker Road bridge closest to Garren Creek Road, reduced to 24 tons.
- The Blue Ridge Development Road bridge, now posted at 15 tons.
Fire officials said they were not notified of the changes in advance and only became aware of the new restrictions when NCDOT crews posted the signs.