GOLD HILL, Ore. — A nearly 100-year-old bridge in Gold Hill has been closed indefinitely after a suspected impaired driver crashed into the structure Sunday night, causing significant damage that county officials say has compromised its stability.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 1600 block of Lampman Road at approximately 8:34 p.m. on May 31. When deputies arrived, they located the 27-year-old female driver walking away from the crash scene.
According to investigators, deputies observed signs of impairment and the driver agreed to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. A breath test later indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.24%, three times Oregon’s legal limit. The woman was arrested on a charge of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII). The Rogue River Police Department assisted at the scene.
The crash caused extensive damage to the historic Lampman Road Bridge, a steel truss structure spanning Galls Creek. Following an engineering assessment, the Jackson County Roads and Parks Department determined the bridge is unsafe for all traffic and ordered its immediate closure.
“Important structural components of the nearly 100-year-old bridge trusses were damaged to the point that our Engineering team has serious concerns with the structural stability of the bridge,” said Steve Lambert, director of Jackson County Roads and Parks. “To ensure the safety of our residents, the bridge will be closed and first responders have been notified.”
The closure affects vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, with travelers now required to use alternate routes. County officials have not announced a reopening timeline.
Lambert noted that plans to replace the aging bridge were already underway before the crash occurred.
“Fortunately, we have already secured grant funding to replace this bridge and design is well-underway,” Lambert said. “However, it will be an extended closure as we continue to work with ODOT through the design and procurement process.”
No injuries were reported in the incident.
Officials said the crash serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving. While this incident did not result in injuries or fatalities, authorities emphasized that DUII-related crashes frequently lead to serious injuries, loss of life, and costly damage to public infrastructure.
DUII enforcement efforts in Jackson County are supported in part through grant funding provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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