Water Rises, So Do Bridge Concerns

By Steven Cote

Debris passes under Salmon River bridge ( photo Opinion250 staff)

Water levels for the Salmon river have been increasing rapidly over the past few days, causing some concern to the Ministry of Transportation.

Bridge Area Manager Pat Preston, on a routine flood patrol at the Salmon River bridge, (Preston at right, talks with reporter Steven Cote) recognizes that the potential for a flood does exist, but it is entirely dependant on the weather over the next few days "We’re keeping a close eye on the water around the bridge, especially considering the amount of rain we’ve received over the past few days".

The Ministry of Transportation is also closely watching area bridges for any debris build-up, which could cause severe damage if left unchecked. Preston adds this is not a major concern for the Salmon River bridge, because it is clear-spanning, meaning it has no piers to trap debris. Even so, Preston is still monitoring the bottom levels of the water around the Salmon River bridge twice a week until the risk of flood decreases. 
  

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