By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó The city will temporarily close historic Shober Bridge on Ellis Street, beginning today.
City crews will make necessary repairs to the street surface area of the bridge, Karen Wilkinson, the cityís public information officer, posted Sunday night on the cityís Facebook page.
Advisory signs placed within the Ellis Street area will provide additional notice to travelers, Wilkinson said.
ěThese necessary repairs will not affect the historic properties of the bridge in any manner,î she said.
The Facebook post doesnít say how long the bridge will be closed.
Salisbury City Council voted in August 2010 to pursue rehabilitation for the controversial old bridge. Norfolk Southern Railroad wants the bridge, which carries Ellis Street across the tracks, replaced and lengthened so the company has the option of adding a third track.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has yet to weigh in on the debate between the city and railroad. The state must approve the cityís final design for the bridge.
The bridge has been closed for repairs several times over the years as the city has sought a permanent solution. Currently, firetrucks and other heavy vehicles canít cross the timber structure.
The bridge is one of only a handful of humpback bridges remaining in the state.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.