Bridges closed for Irene

Bridges closed

 

 

With rising flood waters caused by Tropical Storm Irene Sunday night, local officials ordered closed a number of bridges across the village of Granville some of which remained closed into Monday morning.

Sunday night, as flood waters surged towards the top of the Church Street Bridge near the Mettowee River Park officials closed the span which remained closed for half of the day Monday.

At its height, about 9 p.m. Sunday night, flood waters in the Mettowee River were striking a point near the top of the wall of the pedestrian bridge.

Officials said the flood waters reached more than seven feet above flood stage at its highest point.

Prior to closing Church Street, officials closed the pedestrian walking bridge, the Rail Trail Bridge, the Main Street Bridge and the Mettowee River Bridge at the intersection with Route 22. 

Village Fire Chief Ryan Pedone said officials concerned about a combination of flood waters and debris which might dislodge the pedestrian walking bridge which runs between the Slate Valley Museum and the Pember Library and Museum could possibly send it crashing into the Main Street Bridge just a short distance downstream.

As flood waters receded Monday bridges began to reopen.

The Main Street Bridge opened to one lane traffic about 9 a.m. while the Church Street Bridge remained closed until all bridge reopened at midday.

Mayor Brian LaRose said the Church Street Bridge was opened after an inspection by the New York State Department of Transportation which deemed the bridge safe for vehicle traffic.

The pedestrian bridge remains closed due to undercutting at the entryway to the span, LaRose said.

The bridge itself suffered no damage, but flood water removed the material from under the sidewalks on each side of the bridge prompting officials to keep it closed until repairs can be conducted.