HICKORY, N.C. — On Friday afternoon, Hickory residents gathered at the Rudy Wright Memorial Bridge and stared in amazement. The wooden arches that once marked the skyline were lying on the ground, collapsed over Main Avenue. 

The arches fell just after midnight, according to Sarah Killian, the communications specialist with the city.

No one was hurt.

What You Need To Know

  • The wooden arches of the new Rudy Wright Memorial Bridge collapsed onto Main Avenue early Friday

  • The arches and bridge are part of a $40 million plan to revitalize the city; a ribbon cutting was held in December

  • Contractor Neill Grading & Construction and engineering firm John Wood Group PLC are assessing damage, the city said in a news release

  • Winds reached 33 mph in Hickory around midnight, the National Weather Service says

The National Weather Service says the highest wind gust in Hickory at that time was 33 mph. 

Contractors and city workers were at the bridge Friday morning investigating the collapse. 

 

The bridge was part of a $40 million referendum approved by residents to revitalize the city. 

Hickory resident Cathy Wells said she passed under the arches every day while walking her dog.

"I look up and thought, wouldn’t it be horrible if this came down, and it did,” she said. 

Engineering firm John Wood Group PLC said all questions were to be directed to the city. 

Killian in an emailed statement said that contractor Neill Grading & Construction and John Wood Group are assessing the damage. 

“We are saddened by this unfortunate event,” Mayor Hank Guess said in the statement. “Thankfully, no injuries were reported and collateral damage to the surrounding area appears minimal. We look forward to reopening this section of the City Walk.”

The Main Avenue Bridge and the Rudy Wright Bridge remain closed.