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Most roads now open, some bridges remain closed
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While most Newton County roads affected by flooding have reopened, parts of Crowell, Harold Dobbs and Mt. Tabor remain closed per the Georgia Department of Transportation.

According to Kevin Walter, engineer for Newton County, the northern part of Crowell Road from Harold Dobbs intersection to the Access Road will remain closed since a portion of the road was washed away. A portion of Harold Dobbs is closed as well because of the extensive damage to Crowell. The southern portion of Crowell Road is open for personal vehicles and school buses, but not for tractor trailers because of a lack of room for them to turn their trucks in that particular area.

Additionally, Mt. Tabor, north of Almon Road where it crosses the Yellow River, is closed.

"The bridge supports were undermined," said Walter. "The pilings under them were exposed, which could allow the bridge to move or fall and the DOT did a diving inspection and advised the road was unsafe. It will be an extensive project," he said.

Both Crowell and Mt. Tabor could take a month or more before repairs are completed and the county is hoping some FEMA money will be made available to assist with those repairs.

Although the bridge at Brown Bridge Road has been reopened and is safe to drive on, it may require work and will be re-inspected in nine months by the DOT. Also, the bridge in Porterdale may also require work but since it is a state road, the state must make that decision.

According to Walter the county is waiting until they hear if any funds will be made available by FEMA before they begin work on the roads.