Massive sediment, debris and water flows during Irene wreaked havoc on transportation infrastructure at this location. High flows from Black Brook pushed out into the Cold River, directing it towards the opposite shore. This created excessive scour around the Route 2 Bridge which spans the Cold, damaging the structure severely.
To see the full panorama, open this link: http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/144474
It is not uncommon to see bank erosion on the shore across from where a tributary enters a main stream. This can be seen in two nearby locations, where the Cold River (https://riversmartvt.umass.edu/virtual-tour-stops/533/543)and where Pelham Brook (https://riversmartvt.umass.edu/virtual-tour-stops/533/531) meet the Deerfield.
