Bridge Out in Bridgewater - 1971

Here are a some pictures of when the only bridge in Bridgewater went out in 1971. I personally remember this day and recall that the steel bent under the pressure of the ice, like a simple matchstick. The creeking of the metal was errie and even after 30+ years I can still hear that sound. Many thanks to Greg Corkum, a former resident of Bridgewater for scanning and sending us these pictures.

No one said a word when it went but they sure had lots to think about.

Valentines Day 1971; a huge ice pack tore away a 90 foot span
of the two lane bridge in Bridgewater at 4:30 in the afternoon.

Before the bridge gave way, much flooding took
place on the east side of the river above and below the 7-UP plant.

Above the bridge the ice accumulated, including in it's possession, a car.

The twisted span moments after the ice swollen river had done it's terrible deed.
Guess I must have been moved by the event too with words like those.

Another view, and a rare site indeed.

The Bailey Bridge, a temporary crossing until the new span was built.

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