Obese Ford F-750 Plunges Via Historic Wood Bridge in Maine

As soon as upon a time, Maine may declare that greater than 120 lined bridges dotted its panorama. Final week, the headcount was 9. Now, there are eight and a half. That’s as a result of, regardless of posted indicators, the driving force of an obese automobile determined to cross one. He didn’t make it. Not even midway. As a substitute, the bridge bottomed out, sending the driving force, truck, and cargo plummeting into the water beneath.

Babb’s Bridge in Gorham, Maine, has the oldest historical past of the state’s remaining lined bridges, one which dates again to 1840. The picket bridge additionally has a weight restrict of three tons. The driving force behind the wheel of a Ford F-750 thought he may make it, however alas—these vans may be over 9,000 kilos empty, and relying on what was within the mattress, GVWR may be between 26,000 and 37,000 kilos.

Oh, and the driving force was additionally hauling crushed gravel, in response to the Gorham Police Division. Even when the automobile had been an older F-Sequence with zero cargo, its weight would’ve nonetheless exceeded what the little outdated bridge may deal with. The power to learn doesn’t essentially imply you perceive the phrases. At the least, that’s my guess when the driving force didn’t change his route.

Though there are not any indicators relating to weight limits positioned on or close to the bridge itself, there are roadway indicators. Massive and unobstructed, the indicators point out the bridge’s peak (10 toes), width (single lane), and assist (three tons max). They’re positioned alongside Hurricane Street on the final main intersection earlier than arriving on the bridge crossing. Principally, there’s no technique to miss them.

Primarily based on the photographs, the bridge gave approach virtually instantly beneath the load of the truck. The driving force suffered minor accidents however was capable of exit the automobile on his personal. Fortunately, nobody else was harm, contemplating the realm is common with swimmers and kayakers.

Babb’s Bridge was initially constructed within the 1800s, and for greater than a century, the picket expanse had fulfilled its goal of serving to folks cross the Presumpscot River. Sadly, vandals burned the bridge down in 1973. The state rebuilt a precise reproduction utilizing traditionally correct, regionally sourced supplies, which opened in 1973. In fact, now, it must be partially rebuilt once more.

The Maine Division of Transportation stated repairs won’t be accomplished till subsequent spring as a result of acquiring the wanted lumber to take care of the bridge’s accuracy will take a number of months. Within the meantime, different repairs will happen whereas Babb’s Bridge stays closed. Restore estimates haven’t been launched, however the proprietor of the truck firm has provided to assist pay for the rebuild. The incident itself stays beneath investigation by native authorities.