The bridge on Browns Hill Rd near the intersection of SR 136 is closed indefinitely following the failure of two steel beams that caused one side of the bridge to drop nearly three inches.(Photo by Ryan Applegate)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The Adams County Engineer’s Office has announced the indefinite closure of the Browns Hill Road bridge following a structural failure discovered during monitoring. The closure took effect on June 26, 2025, the day the problem was first reported. The bridge is located approximately 500 feet from the intersection of Browns Hill Road and State Route 136. No thru traffic will be permitted across the bridge until further notice.
According to information provided by the Engineer’s Office, two of the steel beams supporting the bridge’s superstructure failed, causing the deck nearest the intersection of State Route 136 to settle by approximately two and a half to three inches. Officials stated that the bridge has been inspected yearly as required and was also under additional monitoring due to its age and design. The inspections and ongoing observation were intended to identify any changes in condition before they could present a risk to public safety.
The bridge was originally built in 1960. In 1980, the superstructure was replaced, but many components have remained in service since the bridge’s initial construction. Over the decades, exposure to weather, moisture, and normal wear has contributed to gradual deterioration. While inspections had previously confirmed that the structure remained safe for use, the failure of the beams required an immediate closure to prevent any further damage or danger to drivers.
At this time, the Adams County Engineer’s Office is in the process of gathering pricing estimates for repair work as well as for the possibility of a complete replacement. No decisions have yet been made regarding which option will be pursued. Officials stated that the determination will depend on the results of further assessments of the damage, projected repair timelines, and the comparative cost of repairs versus replacement. The Engineer’s Office has not provided a specific timeline for reopening but emphasized that the bridge will remain closed until the structure is either restored to a safe condition or replaced.
The closure affects all traffic along this segment of Browns Hill Road, including residents, school transportation, local businesses, and agricultural operations. Drivers approaching the bridge will encounter signage and barricades marking the closure. No vehicles, including local traffic, will be permitted to cross the bridge. Residents are advised to plan detour routes and allow additional travel time.
The bridge has served as an important connection between Browns Hill Road and State Route 136 for more than six decades. Many residents rely on this route for daily commutes and deliveries. With the indefinite closure, detours will remain in place until further notice, and residents can expect delays in travel.
Officials have emphasized that public safety remains the top priority. The failure of the steel beams supporting the deck presented an immediate hazard, and the closure was necessary to prevent any risk of injury or additional damage. Until further engineering evaluations are complete and the bridge can be repaired or replaced, no traffic will be permitted to cross the structure under any circumstances.
The closure highlights the challenges faced by local governments maintaining infrastructure built during the mid-20th century. Bridges constructed in this era often do not meet modern design standards and are more vulnerable to the effects of weather and heavier traffic. Required yearly inspections are intended to identify problems before they reach a critical point. In this case, the inspections and monitoring helped ensure that the bridge was closed before the failure worsened or caused an accident.
Residents and drivers with questions or concerns about the closure, detour options, or the status of the repair or replacement process are encouraged to contact the Adams County Engineer’s Office directly. Staff are available to provide information as it becomes available and to help residents understand the next steps. Officials will continue to assess the bridge and develop a plan for addressing the damage.
No additional updates have been provided regarding when repairs or replacement work could begin or how long the closure will remain in effect. The Engineer’s Office stated that more details will be shared as the evaluations progress and decisions are made about the bridge’s future. In the meantime, drivers are asked to respect all posted barricades and signs and to avoid entering the closed area.
