CHARLESTON – Cracks discovered in some of the structural welds led to Monday’s closure of the Jennings Randolph Bridge connecting Chester and East Liverpool, according to information released Tuesday by the West Virginia Division of Highways.

A safety inspection of the bridge by a team from Modjeski and Masters discovered the cracking, which DOH officials said was not visible to the naked eye, but could cause future issues if not addressed.

DOH bridge engineers are finalizing plans for repairs to the span, which carries U.S. 30 across the Ohio River. Officials noted updates will be provided as the repair plans progress. DOH said Monday the bridge would be closed “indefinitely.”