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FRANKLIN COUNTY — The construction of a new bridge on Highway 98 in Franklin County, south of Bude, has been delayed further into next year because the structure collapsed while under construction.

No one was injured during the collapse, but travelers who have already waited over a year for the bridge to be built will continue to take the long way around to bypass the bridge for a while longer, Mississippi Department of Transportation Officials told reporters.

“Originally it was supposed to be completed next year,” said Albert White, who is the District 7 Engineer for MDOT, “but the roadway was supposed to be open hopefully around December — the bridge would be back open to traffic while they do other work. But of course, this sets it way back, so you’re looking further into next year.”

The old bridge, which carried traffic on Highway 98 over the Homochitto River in Franklin County, has been closed for some time to be replaced. The $25.7 million contract for replacing the bridge was given to Key LLC out of Madison.

However, around two weeks ago, MDOT officials said concrete beams supporting the new bridge under construction gave out.

Those who live in the area and have to commute to Franklin County or Meadville to work daily add 15 minutes to their commute each way to bypass the bridge.