A bridge on King Road, north of North Hills Street, at the Meridian city limits is visibly sinking and cracked, signs that something is dangerously wrong down below.

"The crew investigated and discovered the two pilings on the south bound lane have actually collapsed," said county engineer Neal Carson.

Carson says the only thing preventing the bridge from completely crumbling is the fact that two pillars haven't completely buckled yet.

"We all agree that the best thing to do now is to close the bridge and do an emergency repair on it," Carson said.

The U.S. House has just passed legislation authorizing an additional $1 billion to be spent on structurally deficient bridges across the country. This action comes nearly a year after this deadly collapse in Minneapolis.

"This is just a very small incident, but certainly related to those in that all of our bridge structures are getting old and needing attention," said Carson. "We are lucky in this one that we caught it early."

Repairs to this bridge will begin immediately. Consultant Terrell Temple is recommending the county approve an emergency order to speed up the bidding process.

"Originally built in 1965, with about a 20- to 25-year life, so this bridge has served well," said Temple.

This bridge had been flagged for having weak pillars. However, county officials didn't know the extent of the damage.

Residents on the city side of the bridge will not encounter any problems going to and from their homes.

Residents on the county side of King Road will have to take alternate routes until the bridge is replaced.

King Road is accessible from both State Boulevard Extension and Highway 493.