Polk County residents concerned after picture showing decaying bridge pillar surfaces

From our partners at Local 3 News: Folks in Polk County are concerned about a bridge across the Ocoee River.
 
They say it looks like a pillar is deteriorating, but the Tennessee Department of Transportation says it’s safe.
 
George Long says he’s seen the problem for at least a year. He says he walks across the bridge daily and is concerned if the problem isn’t fixed soon, it could cause harm to someone. 
 
“Everybody can. I don’t want to say mess up, but you can get faulty material things could be not exactly mixed the right way it looks like the concrete is deteriorating on the reborn, said Long.
 
TDOT released this statement:
“This bridge was built in 2012 and was rated good until its inspection in 2023. During that inspection, a defect was found in the column at the waterline, which dropped its rating to Poor. While this defect needs to be corrected, it does not present any immediate concerns. The bridge is structurally sound and completely safe. Repairs are being scheduled, and inspection frequency was increased until repairs are made.”