The closing of a bridge in Hermitage is shutting off a shortcut that locals use as a back way to get to the part of Farrell where UPMC Horizon is located.

The bridge on Lynnwood Drive, off Broadway and Hoelzle Road, failed to pass an annual inspection by the Mercer County bridge department recently and was shut down Tuesday, according to bridge department director Mark Miller.

The bridge's weight limit was posted at three tons in 1997. That figure, according to Miller, is the lowest possible before a bridge is closed.

Miller described the metal bridge as a "stringer-type" structure. The principal part that supports the weight of vehicles is rusting, he said.

"It cannot support a live or vehicular load," Miller said.

He said the bridge will be closed for about 10 months; construction bids are expected in April. "Then it will take about three months to replace it," Miller said.

He said "road closed" signs are in place, but because it's a local road there is no official detour.