POWELL, Wyo. (AP) - Park County has reduced the speed limit and placed weight restrictions on traffic crossing the Willwood Bridge, which state and local engineers have called obsolete.

The new regulations prohibit any vehicle weighing more than 20 tons from using the bridge, and limit traffic weighing between 12 and 20 tons, depending on the type of vehicle. Violators could be subject to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail, and could be held responsible for any damage done to the bridge.

The speed limit on the bridge was reduced to 20 mph.

Park County Engineer Frank Page said if drivers don't adhere to those restrictions, the bridge could be closed.

Built in 1924 for the Willwood Irrigation District, the bridge spans the Shoshone River. In recent years, housing development along the county road which crosses the bridge has increased traffic. Local, state and federal officials were told in October that the bridge was in poor shape and should eventually be replaced.

Page said an engineering study recommended some repairs, which will cause temporary closures to traffic. But replacing the bridge, he said, would be very expensive and wouldn't happen any time soon.

Information from: The Powell Tribune, http://www.powelltribune.com