Historic Maine Covered Bridge Collapses Under Overweight Dump Truck

A historic covered bridge in Maine has been closed for months after an overweight dump truck crashed through the wooden floor, creating a gaping hole. The bridge, built in 1840, is expected to undergo extensive repairs following the incident.

A historic covered bridge in Maine is closed for months after an overweight dump truck crashed through the wooden floor, creating a gaping hole.

Historic Maine Covered Bridge Collapses Under Overweight Dump Truck

The incident occurred on Babb's Bridge between Gorham and Windham on Friday afternoon, according to the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT). The bridge, which is the state's oldest, has a posted weight limit of three tons.

Police said the dump truck, which was loaded with crushed gravel, was likely "several times the posted weight limit." The truck entered the bridge from the Gorham side before falling through the first panel of the bridge deck into the river below.

Historic Maine Covered Bridge Collapses Under Overweight Dump Truck

The truck driver, Joshua Polewarzyk, 37, of Limington, was able to get out of the truck and suffered minor injuries. The truck, which was identified by local news as a Ford F750, had the logo of an asphalt contractor named The Driveway Guys on its side.

The Gorham Police Department shared photos of the crash scene on Facebook to alert the public to find an alternate route. "The excessive weight of the vehicle caused the wooden floor of the bridge structure to give way," the Facebook post said.

Historic Maine Covered Bridge Collapses Under Overweight Dump Truck

MaineDOT says about 360 vehicles cross the bridge daily. The bridge has seen its share of troubles in the past. After being burned by vandals in 1973, MaineDOT crews rebuilt an exact replica that opened in 1976. Vandals again struck in 2014, cutting holes in the bridge's roof. In 2015, the bridge was damaged by a snow plow.

The bridge is inspected by state officials at least every two years. Its last inspection was at the end of last month, MaineDOT said. The three-ton weight limit was posted on the bridge in 1983 and has not changed since then.

Historic Maine Covered Bridge Collapses Under Overweight Dump Truck

The bridge is expected to be closed for months while repairs are made. The Maine DOT is exploring options for temporary repairs to allow pedestrian traffic, but no timeline has been established for those repairs.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of other historic bridges in Maine. The state has over 500 covered bridges, many of which are more than 100 years old.

"We are fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this incident," said Maine DOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note. "However, this is a reminder that our historic bridges are vulnerable to damage and that we need to take steps to protect them."

Maine DOT is working with the Federal Highway Administration to assess the damage to Babb's Bridge and determine the best course of action for repairs.