Route 2 Bridge Damage

Black Brook joins the Cold River immediately upstream of a bridge crossing the Cold on Route 2. The combined force of both of these streams, in high flood, pushed water and debris directly into the abutments on the upstream side of the bridge. This caused major damage to the abutments and rendered the bridge unsafe for travel.

 

 

During Irene.

2 days later.  Damage has increased.

Bridge Scour from Black Brook

In this photo, taken from across the Cold River, damage to the bridge abutment can be seen. Black Brook joins the Cold River just above this vantage point. Black Brook apparently pushed a lot of water, rocks and sediment well out into the Cold River, forcing the flow into the bank right where the bridge abutment begins. This action scoured the rocks and sediment behind the abutment, causing significant damage to the bridge.

Bridge abutment being repaired

Bridge and abutment  during repairs, 7 weeks after the storm. October 18, 2011.

Abutment repaired

Two views of the bridge after repairs have been completed. The top photo was taken in May 2015, the lower in February 2016.

Abutment repaired

Two views of the bridge after repairs have been completed. The top photo was taken in May 2015, the lower in February 2016.