The Carbon River Fairfax Bridge is closed indefinitely to all traffic, vehicle or otherwise, after experts found it is starting to buckle.

Cue the children’s song.

The bridge was closed April 14 as a safety precaution when an inspection found unexpected deterioration in its steel supports.

But the Washington State Department of Transportation announced today, April 22, that the bridge support column is bent in two directions and is buckling.

“It’s very apparent from the visual changes in the columns that the bridge is no longer safe to use,” Olympic Region Administrator Steve Roark said in a press release. “…“Closing the bridge was our last option. We fully understand the magnitude of this decision for everyone who relies on this bridge.”

Unfortunately for fans of Mount Rainier National Park, this means State Route 165 is cut off from the Mowich Lake Entrance, the Carbon River Ranger Station, and other outdoor recreation areas.

There are no current funds to replace the bridge, WSDOT has said.

However, the department is undertaking a planning study to consider its options, like replacing the bridge, re-routing the highway, or simply doing nothing.

WSDOT added it is working with Governor Bob Ferguson and the state legislature to find solutions.

The state has been limiting traffic on this bridge for more than a decade due to its age and condition. In 2009, wide-loads were banned on the bridge; this was expanded to prohibiting all commercial vehicles from using the structure in 2013. Is weight limit was further reduced to 16,000 pounds (8 tons) last year.

According to the state, bridges built on current standards are expected to have a service life of 75 years. However, the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge was built in 1921. The average age of state-owed vehicle bridges is 51 years.

There is currently an emergency access road for first responders and residents to get around the closure, but it is closed to the public.