Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is exploring whether smaller passenger vehicles could be allowed back across the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly while long-term replacement plans are developed.

The bridge, located near Lyerly Elementary School, has been closed since June 16 after a Georgia Department of Transportation inspection found structural concerns requiring immediate attention. The crossing, listed as Bridge No. 055-0025-0, is an important route between Lyerly, Menlo and nearby Alabama communities.

Allen says the county is hiring a private engineer to evaluate the bridge. If that review finds the bridge can safely support lighter vehicles, possibly in the 5-to-10-ton range, the state could allow small passenger cars to use the crossing while a permanent replacement is planned.

The bridge had previously been scheduled for replacement in 2031, but Allen says Chattooga County is working with GDOT to move the project forward sooner.

No reopening date has been announced. Allen says more information will be released once the engineering report is complete.