ASHEVILLE - The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a beloved landmark, will be taken down.

The historic structure, built in 1925, sustained severe damage during Tropical Storm Helene. It was inundated with debris, which flowed down the Rocky Broad River during the September storm. Raging waters picked up homes, vehicles, trees and mud, depositing it in the town's namesake lake.

After thorough assessments by two independent engineering firms, it was determined that the bridge is beyond repair and cannot be restored, an Aug. 7 town notice said.

The town awarded the contract for bridge removal to Mitch Contracting after a competitive bidding process, it said. This process will likely take several weeks and will begin Aug. 18.

"The Town of Lake Lure recognizes the historical significance of the

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