The bridge links the US states of Vermont and New York, which announced yesterday that they will accept the recommendations raised in the report by consultant HNTB. Planning of a replacement will begin straightaway.
An underwater inspection of the bridge's concrete piers and underlying foundations found cracks and significant deterioration in the unreinforced concrete substructures well below the water level. The support system is so fragile that a sudden collapse could occur and there are particular concerns that harsh winter conditions would aggravate the problems.
"If any major cracks were to develop diagonally in the pier or deterioration reduces the contact bearing area between concrete segments, the pier could fail without warning," says the report's executive summary. "The risk and safety for personnel working in close proximity to the existing, fragile bridge is too great to permit rehabilitation in any form. Moving forward, the existing bridge should be razed in a controlled manner eliminating the risk of sudden, potentially catastrophic, bridge failure."
The bridge has been closed since last month when inspectors and engineers determined that it was unsafe for use. A new ferry service will be introduced as an interim means of crossing.
