The Town has closed the Holmes Road bridge east of Reynolds Road as of May 6, 2025, following a structural inspection that revealed significant deterioration in the bridge’s substructure. This closure, made in consultation with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), is necessary to protect public safety and will remain in place until further notice.


Detour signage is placed on Holmes Road on both sides of the bridge to help direct traffic.

The Town is currently evaluating both temporary and long-term repair options. While a temporary fix could allow for limited use sooner, a full replacement of the bridge is expected to take 2 to 3 years. This estimate accounts for the time required to complete engineering designs, environmental permitting, and secure funding from a combination of local, regional, and federal sources.

“We know this closure will impact many residents, and we’re committed to moving as quickly as possible,” said Town Engineer Dale Perryman. “We’re actively looking at temporary solutions and applying for grants to support this critical infrastructure project.”

The bridge is inspected every two years as part of TDOT’s statewide bridge safety program. While previous inspections noted aging components, the most recent assessment found that the structure had deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated, prompting immediate concern. TDOT issued a closure notice on April 25, 2025, requiring the bridge to be shut down within 14 days. In response, the Town made the decision to close the bridge earlier than the deadline, effective May 6, out of an abundance of caution.

The Town is working with local, regional, and federal agencies to pursue grant funding and cost-sharing options. Final funding allocations will depend on the outcome of design planning and scope of the selected solution.

As of today, there is no finalized construction plan or schedule. The Town is in the early stages of evaluating temporary repair possibilities while also preparing for a potential full replacement effort. Updates on timelines and next steps will be shared with the public as more information becomes available.

During the closure, traffic will be rerouted along Fleming Road to Shelby Drive to Reynolds Road. Detour signs are currently in place. Motorists are advised to plan additional travel time and use alternate routes when possible.