Bridge collapses near Tatamagouche, no injuries reported
FRENCH RIVER — A bridge in the small community of French River in Colchester County, just outside of Tatamagouche, collapsed Tuesday morning.
A trailer with a load of lumber drove down Lake Road around 7 a.m. The bridge fell out from under the trailer as it crossed the structure.
Due to a collapsing bridge, Lake Rd. in #French River #ColchesterCounty, is currently closed. Motorists are advised to use Trout Brook Rd. or Cooper Rd. This road closure is indefinite. pic.twitter.com/E2ySAAoZwo
— RCMP Nova Scotia (@RCMPNS) June 13, 2023
The tractor-trailer appeared to have overturned onto the river bank, while the cab remained on land. The back was submerged in the water.
The driver, who was unharmed but shaken by the accident, said he followed his GPS as he crossed the bridge.
“There were no signs indicating the weight limit for the bridge,” said the driver. “I went over it and, well, … now we’re here.”
The driver said he had been driving tractor-trailers for about 30 years and had never experienced an accident like this before.
RCMP and Nova Scotia Public Works crews arrived on the scene. Employees of AW Leil arrived later and together with Rijkswaterstaat started making plans to remove the tractor-trailer.
They expected a crane to be delivered from Dartmouth in the afternoon to remove the rig from the river.
The damage to the tractor-trailer was not too serious. More will be known after the move.
RCMP said Lake Road will be closed indefinitely and motorists are advised to use Trout Brook Road or Cooper Road as diversions.
In research
“The cause of the collapse of the Donaldson Bridge is currently under investigation after a timber truck incident,” said Gary Andrea, a spokesman for the county government.
“The class of truck on the bridge was not allowed on that section of Lake Road due to the road’s classification for the weight and configuration of the road. One summary speeding ticket has been issued and others are pending. Fines may vary from $237 to $4,100 Commercial trucks have a responsibility to be aware of road ratings.
“Due to the investigation, we are unable to comment on details of the bridge or provide inspection reports.”
The province announced its five-year plan for improving the highway last year. Andrea said dozens of bridges are currently being repaired or replaced.
“Currently, about 14 percent (nearly 600) of bridges in Nova Scotia have a score of four out of nine or less, and are in need of upgrades,” said Andrea. “A bridge in that state is still considered safe and gets more intensive and frequent inspections.”
