A driver of a dump truck crashed into the Presumpscot River on Friday afternoon after attempting to cross a covered bridge that was originally built before the Civil War. The impact left a hole in the planks of the bridge in the shape of the truck. The driver suffered minor injuries in the accident, but there was significant damage to the historic Babb’s Bridge. The bridge, originally constructed in 1840 and rebuilt in 1976 after a fire, may be closed for a few months as a result of the crash. Officials noted that the truck was carrying well above the weight limit of 3 tons for the bridge, which contributed to the accident.
The truck, carrying crushed stone, was “multiple times” over the weight limit for the bridge, which was only 3 tons (2,700 kilograms). The driver was attempting to cross from Gorham into Windham when the vehicle plummeted into the water. The Gorham Police Department has launched an investigation into the accident, as it remains unclear why the driver ignored the weight restrictions on the bridge. The driver has not responded to requests for comments from the media, including The Associated Press. While the driver sustained only minor injuries, the crash caused significant damage to the historic bridge.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of old and historic bridges, especially when drivers ignore weight limits and other restrictions. The preservation of historic bridges is crucial for maintaining the character and heritage of local communities, but accidents like this can result in costly repairs and closures. Officials emphasized the importance of respecting the weight limits and other regulations placed on bridges to prevent similar accidents in the future. The crash serves as a reminder of the risks involved with ignoring safety guidelines when crossing old and fragile structures.
Babb’s Bridge, originally built in 1840 and reconstructed in 1976, is an important piece of local history and heritage in Gorham, Maine. The bridge has been a landmark for over 180 years and has withstood the test of time, including a devastating fire in the 1970s that required extensive repairs. The recent crash has caused visible damage to the bridge, leaving a hole in the planks in the shape of the dump truck. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, officials are hopeful that the bridge can be repaired and reopened to the public in the coming months.
The driver of the dump truck learned a valuable lesson about respecting weight limits and safety regulations when crossing bridges, especially historic ones. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other drivers who may be tempted to push the limits and risk damaging fragile structures. Authorities have urged drivers to be mindful of weight restrictions and other guidelines when crossing bridges, as failing to do so can have serious consequences, not only for the driver but also for the preservation of important historical landmarks. The crash into Babb’s Bridge has sparked discussions about the need for increased awareness and enforcement of bridge safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, the crash of a dump truck into Babb’s Bridge in Gorham, Maine, highlights the importance of respecting weight limits and safety regulations when crossing historic bridges. The incident caused significant damage to the bridge, which may be closed for repairs for several months. While the driver only suffered minor injuries, the crash serves as a reminder of the risks involved with ignoring safety guidelines and risking the preservation of important heritage structures. Authorities are investigating the incident and hope to prevent similar accidents in the future by raising awareness about the importance of bridge safety and adherence to weight restrictions.
