UPDATED STORY:
Dandridge, TN ( WOKI / WVLT) – Signs designating an East Tennessee bridge in honor of President Donald Trump have been reinstalled after vandals damaged one of the markers last week.
According to Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesman Mark Nagi, crews replaced and reinstalled the signs on Tuesday. The move comes days after the westbound-facing sign was vandalized, prompting officials to remove both signs from the bridge.
The bridge spans the French Broad River in Dandridge and was formerly known as the I-40 Douglas Lake Bridge. It was recently renamed in honor of President Donald Trump, drawing attention from political leaders and residents across East Tennessee.
The dedication ceremony attracted several prominent state and federal elected officials, including:
- Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally
- U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
- U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty
- U.S. Representative Tim Burchett
- State Senator Jessie Seal
- State Representative Jeremy Faison
The bridge renaming ceremony highlighted the significance supporters placed on honoring the president with a major East Tennessee landmark along Interstate 40.
Officials have not released details about the vandalism investigation, including whether any suspects have been identified or whether arrests have been made.
TDOT also has not disclosed the cost of replacing the damaged sign.
The newly reinstalled signs once again identify the structure crossing the French Broad River as the President Donald Trump Bridge, restoring the designation visible to eastbound and westbound motorists traveling through Jefferson County.
What’s Next
Authorities have not announced any charges related to the vandalism. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will continue monitoring the bridge signage, and law enforcement may investigate the damage to determine who was responsible.
ORIGINAL STORY:
DANDRIDGE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Signs identifying the President Donald Trump Bridge in Jefferson County have been removed after what state officials say was an act of vandalism.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation confirmed that two signs marking the bridge’s name were taken down after being vandalized. TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi said the signs are expected to be replaced later this week.
The bridge spans the French Broad River in Dandridge and was formerly known as the I-40 Douglas Lake Bridge before being renamed in honor of President Donald Trump.
The bridge dedication drew significant attention across East Tennessee and featured several prominent state and federal elected officials. Those attending the naming ceremony included:
- Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally
- U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
- U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty
- U.S. Representative Tim Burchett
- State Senator Jessie Seal
- State Representative Jeremy Faison
The renaming ceremony highlighted the bridge’s new designation and attracted supporters and public officials from across Tennessee.
TDOT has not released details about the nature of the vandalism or identified any suspects. Officials have not said when the damage occurred, but the agency confirmed that replacement signs have already been ordered and are expected to be installed in the coming days.
The bridge remains open to traffic, and the removal of the signs has not affected travel along Interstate 40 through Jefferson County.
State transportation officials are encouraging anyone with information regarding the vandalism to contact the appropriate authorities as the incident is investigated.
