Dump Truck Crash Leaves Historic Maine Covered Bridge Damaged, Driver Suffered Minor Injuries

The driver of a heavily-loaded dump truck faced the consequences of ignoring the weight limit on Babb’s Bridge, a covered bridge built in 1840 and rebuilt in 1976. The incident, which occurred on a Friday afternoon, resulted in the truck crashing into the Presumpscot River and causing a hole in the bridge planks. While the driver suffered only minor injuries, the bridge sustained significant damage, leading officials to predict a closure of several months.

Weight Limit Exceeded

According to Paul Merrill, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Transportation, the bridge's weight limit was set at 3 tons (2,700 kilograms), but the dump truck carrying crushed stone far exceeded that limit. The truck was crossing from Gorham into Windham when it plunged into the water, prompting an investigation by the Gorham Police Department.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to weight regulations on infrastructure, especially for structures with historical significance like Babb’s Bridge. The repercussions extend beyond the driver’s fate, as the bridge's closure will disrupt traffic and require significant repairs.