Waco's Washington Avenue bridge has no doubt seen better days. Constructed in 1901, it's the longest of its kind in the state and it's the second oldest bridge built across the Brazos River.

"It's an historic bridge, it's on the national registry of historic places and it's what we call a Pensylvania Truss bridge, " said Ken Roberts with the Texas Department of Transportation.

TXDOT is responsible for inspecting the bridge. Roberts says it's been several years since the bridge has undergone what's called a "fracture critical" inspection.

"Since that time we've determined that because of the age of the structure and the amount of traffic and the load that it carries is such that we need to go back and look at the situation and check to ensure the safety of the bridge is maintained," he said.

Time has caught up with the bridge so much so, that several years ago, traffic on the bridge was reduced from two lanes to one and extrememly heavy vehciles are not supposed to cross it.

Roberts says the inspection should be telling. Once it's complete the state will know what if any repairs need to be made and if they can be made at all.

" If after we complete our inspection and there are some major repairs that need to be done, that are beyond the scope of rehabilitation, then the city would have to look at closing the bridge itself," said Roberts.

And for a bridge that's crossed the century mark that could end up being the way it goes.

If the bridge needs repairs and repairs can be made, the city and the state would share the cost.