What happened

The incident rocked the US state of Maine last month. Bubba’s Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in the region. The original crossing was built on the site in 1840 and a replica was installed in the 1970s after the original bridge burned down. Another replica may now be needed A huge truck crashed past weight limit signs and broke the pavement of the passage.

The driver of a Ford F-750 loaded with crushed stone reportedly ignored warning signs before attempting to cross the border on August 23. The truck weighed around 14,000 kilogramssignificantly exceeding the permitted weight. As a result, within a few seconds the car fell into the Presampscot River flowing under the bridge.

The bridge is designed for heavy vehicles only, according to the Portland Press Herald Up to 2,700 kilogramsThus, the allowed rate increased to over 11,300 kilograms.

Damaged bridge / Photo by Gorham Police Department

The driver was fined $2,500 for ignoring the sign. But the fine is unlikely to appease locals who rely on the bridge to cross the river. According to media reports, the damage may not be repaired until the new year.

Engineers assessed the bridge’s condition on Monday and determined it would likely be repaired in the spring, but the ministry has not yet decided whether to restore the wooden structure as is or opt for a modern, stronger structure.
Paul Merrill, spokesman for the Maine Department of Transportation, said:

Heritage advocates want the state to make quick, but historically accurate, repairs.

This is what the bridge looked like before the accident / Screenshot 24 Kanalu/Google

Fortunately, the damage to the bridge was limited to the wooden deck, meaning that the bridge’s other support structures and decks will not require much maintenance.

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