STATESVILLE, N.C. (WHKY) – The N.C. Department of Transportation closed a lane of Interstate 40 West in Iredell County today (September 18) to perform an emergency bridge inspection. Late this morning, engineers discovered damage from an apparent bridge strike to the underside of the structure on Meacham Road over I-40, between Exits 150 and 148.

Transportation officials closed the Meacham Road bridge and the right lane of I-40 West near the bridge to allow engineers to safely inspect the damage. The right lane of I-40 West was expected to reopen once the inspection was finished.

Meacham Road will remain closed near the bridge until engineers deem it safe for motorists. Drivers can detour around the bridge closure using Gregory Road, N.C. 115 (North Center Street) and Northside Drive until the bridge reopens.

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