Semi damages Spencerville Covered Bridge

[james_t]

SPENCERVILLE — A semi rig caused extensive damage to the historic Spencerville Covered Bridge in an incident this afternoon.

Full story (subscription required):

http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?opt...ticle&id=44485

[sturmtiger]

Was this intentional? Why would anyone think that a wooden covered bridge would be large enough or support a modern semi?

[HoosierHelen]

The loss of this bridge leaves me and most in our town heartbroken and speechless. How could this happen? Our entire community has always pulled together to preserve and celebrate this beautiful old bridge.

In England they say 'God Save the Queen'. In Spencerville our spirit has always been 'God save the Bridge'. Many weddings have happened there over the years, family photos, candle light dinners on the bridge, grandparents initials carved into old beams from when they were teenagers in love. So much of our community and its history was anchored around this old bridge.

[bigbass]

The loss of this bridge leaves me and most in our town heartbroken and speechless. How could this happen? Our entire community has always pulled together to preserve and celebrate this beautiful old bridge.

In England they say 'God Save the Queen'. In Spencerville our spirit has always been 'God save the Bridge'. Many weddings have happened there over the years, family photos, candle light dinners on the bridge, grandparents initials carved into old beams from when they were teenagers in love. So much of our community and its history was anchored around this old bridge.

It was impossible to walk or ride across that bridge without feeling like you just stepped back in time. I can't imagine what the driver was thinking when he came to it and decided to drive across it. I'm thinking for the sake of everyone else who drives that this guys days behind the wheel of a semi are over.

Surely they will repair it, won't they? I can't imagine that something that old with the fortitude to hold up under the weight of a semi could be torn down now. It seems like the trucking companies insurance needs to pony up the money it costs to repair it.

[hairypumper]

He said the GPS made him do it.

[sturmtiger]

I hope his company, assuming he was driving for a company and not an independent, will be required to pay for the repairs. I hope Spencerville or the county will look into this.

[evilkumquat]

He said the GPS made him do it.

"Well if your GPS says jump off a bridge would y... Oh. Never mind."

[HoosierHelen]

"Well if your GPS says jump off a bridge would y... Oh. Never mind."

I'm thankful the experts believe they can save our bridge. Of course, the old cross beams that we all used to set on under the roof of the bridge, smooch on, carve our initials in, watch the cars drive under us on are gone forever. The old beams were most sturdy, thankfully, none in my generation were hurt from falling off...not sure about other generations. Grateful for all our memories there. Hopeful for a successful restoration.

Also hope a judge will make an impression on this semi-driver on how much this bridge means to our community and how it hurts all of us to see this damage. Can't believe he actually tried to drive away after doing the damage! Why on earth he did not stop after hearing the first couple of pieces of wood fall on his truck? Nope..he drove clear through the whole darn bridge! Geez! I'm being generous in my words on this post. IF I repeated many emotions being expressed around town, this posting would be censored & rejected.

Looking forward to a successful restoration. It won't be the same, but much better than loosing it forever.

[TheBigB]

Entirely exhausted, behind schedule, and/or potentially under the influence of some sort of stimulant.

[hairypumper]

The news said he was driving while suspended and "alcohol may have been a factor".

[HoosierHelen]

The news said he was driving while suspended and "alcohol may have been a factor".

I was told by some 'locals' that the semi driver had been at the Oasis tavern just prior to the accident asking directions to NuCor. I don't know if he had drinks while there or not Pretty sure the LE will look into that. I did find it interesting that he didn't rely on his GPS for directions to NuCor (which is very close to the Oasis). To drive from the Oasis to the Covered Bridge was NOT a direct route to NuCor.

The good news is he wasn't yet loaded down with a load of steel. Just imagine the damage a fully loaded semi with steel would do in any accident.

[TheBigB]

The news said he was driving while suspended and "alcohol may have been a factor".

How could his employer not gotten wind of the suspended license? Maybe I'm naive about how connected things are, but it seems to me that if somebody has a commercial license suspended, there should be some sort of "alert" that gets sent out to any entities that employ people with those licenses.

[hairypumper]

How could his employer not gotten wind of the suspended license? Maybe I'm naive about how connected things are, but it seems to me that if somebody has a commercial license suspended, there should be some sort of "alert" that gets sent out to any entities that employ people with those licenses.

The employer only knows if you tell them, or if someone rats you out. People who hire CDL drivers should be able to keep track of infractions for their own CYA.

[TheBigB]

The employer only knows if you tell them, or if someone rats you out. People who hire CDL drivers should be able to keep track of infractions for their own CYA.

Thanks for the details, Hairy.

Google revealed this:

http://www.lmtruck.com/articles/lmtb...ew-Highway-Law

I'm guessing this company is in a state (Illinois?) that doesn't have a notification system in place.

[hairypumper]

The company I currently work for has thousands of drivers nation wide. Recently we were given a form to fill out detailing any infractions we had in the past year. I don't know if this is the extent of their research or if they are just that trusting.

[armyda]

It may become the St. Joe Covered Bridge:

AUBURN — The Spencerville Covered Bridge could be moved and made part of a trail system for pedestrian use only, under a plan approved by DeKalb County Commissioners Monday.

Full story (subscription required):

http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?opt...ticle&id=46567

Okay, I'm confused here: 2 weeks ago the repair estimates were $114,000. Today the cheapest option is $2 million?

Also one of the options is to build a bypass for the bridge. Isn't that what CR 68 is and was built for already?

[Mr Douglas]

Okay, I'm confused here: 2 weeks ago the repair estimates were $114,000. Today the cheapest option is $2 million?

Also one of the options is to build a bypass for the bridge. Isn't that what CR 68 is and was built for already?

...Some serious fornicating about is afoot.

[No Adventure Is Too Small]

Okay, I'm confused here: 2 weeks ago the repair estimates were $114,000. Today the cheapest option is $2 million?

Also one of the options is to build a bypass for the bridge. Isn't that what CR 68 is and was built for already?

Fiscally responsible? NOT!

[sturmtiger]

Once again something that should not be politicized is looking to become just that. Why in the world would there be thought of moving it? Repair it where it stands and where it was built for and leave it at that. If they want a covered bridge elsewhere then generate the interest and funds to build one there.

[HoosierHelen]

This plan of moving our Spencerville Covered Bridge to any other location is PURE GARBAGE!!!

I will not support any sleazy politician who votes in favor of moving this bridge anywhere. This bridge stands in it's historical place of origin. We have gone to great expense to build the new bridge on the new CR 68 a few years back for the purpose to protect this piece of history in our community. It stays in our community and any commissioners who attempt to remove it will find themselves voted out of office ASAP. If anyone wants to walk through it...it is there...do so(once it is reopened).

Outside consultants have no interest in preserving the history of our community. The residents of Spencerville love our bridge.