The golf

cart bridge over Ga. Highway 54 will likely be closed for

couple of months later this year to allow for the

replacement of the two approach spans.

The center

span was replaced in 1997, and it was understood at that

time that the approach spans would eventually need to be

replaced as well. The deterioration has continued to the

point that it is now considered a safety issue.

An

independent inspection by an outside consulting firm

shows that the spans are "in need of immediate

repair or replacement," according to city staff

reports. But closing the bridge is not being recommended

until the actual work begins.

City

engineer Troy Besseche said it should take several weeks

to do the work, and the bridge could be closed for as

long as 60 days, although it could be less than that.

City Council recently allocated $166,000 from the city's

contingency fund for the project, including a sole source

contract with Bellamy Brothers, not to exceed $83,912,

for the repair work. Also approved was an $82,088

expenditure to cover the direct purchase of the spans

from Steadfast Bridges.