The Yankton County Commission declared an emergency as they look for a quick repair to the “Johnson Bridge” over the James River.

Cracks were found in three of the four main support girders of the bridge, and truck traffic has been banned until repairs are made.

Commission Chairman Todd Woods says the declaration allows them to award a repair contract without taking bids..

Woods says the bridge, on a county highway, is a vital link…

Woods says there may be some extra costs to the county…

Engineers estimate the county could pay twenty to fifty thousand dollars over the costs covered by the state bridge repair grant.