134-year-old bridge closed after apparent drunken driving incident

A truck blocked the Watson Mill Covered Bridge in Comer after what authorities call a “DUI related accident.”

A truck blocked the Watson Mill Covered Bridge in Comer after what authorities call a “DUI related accident.”

A historic bridge in Madison County is closed today after a “DUI related accident,” officials said.

The 134-year-old Watson Mill Covered Bridge in Comer won't reopen until authorities determine it is structurally safe. Drivers on Watson Mill Road will be detoured to Ga. 72 through Comer until the bridge reopens.

The details of the suspected alcohol-related incident are unclear, but a Facebook post from Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabriel shows a truck seemingly lodge sideways inside of the bridge.

There were no injuries reported in the incident, authorities said.

The Watson Mill Bridge, which was built in 1885, is one of fewer than 20 covered bridges left in the state. The wooden bridge is supported by a Town lattice truss system and is held together with treenails. It will be closed until at least Monday while authorities complete a structural survey to make sure the bridge is safe.

RELATED: Welcome to 2019! Someone almost destroyed Cobb's covered bridge

Gabriel said there have been nearly 50 DUI arrests so far in 2019. He urges anyone who notices a driver who is seemingly impaired or driving recklessly to contact authorities.

In other news: