Shelby A. Rhinehart Memorial Bridge

Motorists traveling between South Pittsburg and New Hope should prepare for delays next week as the Tennessee Department of Transportation conducts a routine inspection of the Shelby Rhinehart Bridge.

According to TDOT, crews will be inspecting the span, which carries SR-156 over the Tennessee River beginning Monday, June 1, and continuing through Friday, June 5.

The bridge — known to many locals simply as “The Big Blue Bridge” — will remain open, but traffic impacts are expected throughout the week.

To allow inspectors safe access to the structure, lane closures will be in place each day from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. During those hours, traffic will be reduced to a single lane and will alternate directions under the guidance of flaggers stationed at both ends of the bridge. Drivers approaching from either side should be prepared to stop and expect potential delays.

TDOT says the inspection is part of its ongoing bridge maintenance and safety program, which helps ensure the continued integrity and reliability of transportation infrastructure across the state.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, reduce speeds in the work zone, and remain alert for workers and equipment throughout the inspection period.

No full closure of the bridge has been announced or is expected at this time.