Milford’s Mispillion River drawbridge closed to marine traffic
Struck by truck in December, repairs could take a year
MILFORD — A bridge over the Mispillion River remains open to vehicles after a dump truck struck its overhead portion late last year, but the structure will likely remain closed to boats for 12 months or more, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.
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Milford’s Mispillion River drawbridge closed to marine traffic
Struck by truck in December, repairs could take a year
By MILFORD — A bridge over the Mispillion River remains open to vehicles after a dump truck struck its overhead portion late last year, but the structure will likely remain closed to boats for 12 months or more, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.
The incident occurred Dec. 28, 2021, when the vehicle, which was pulling an excavator on a flatbed, struck the upper part of the bridge, DelDOT spokesman C.R. McLeod said.
“Significant damage occurred to the machinery support members and some of the mechanical components,” he added. “As a result, the drawbridge on Rehoboth Boulevard is currently inoperable. However, the vehicular load carrying capacity was not impacted, so it is safe for vehicles to cross, and (it) remains open to vehicle traffic.”
Due to the complexity of the damage, according to Mr. McLeod, “The repairs will take time to plan, ... and once repairs begin, it is expected to take multiple months again.”
He added, “At this point in time, we are not sure exactly as to how long the bridge may be closed to marine traffic, but we expect that it will be at least a year, if not more. Until repairs are completed, boats requiring the bridge to be open will be unable to pass.”
Mr. McLeod said the department will seek reimbursement from the truck owner.
“And we are working on the details for an emergency repair project; however, we do not have a cost estimate or timeline for when the project will begin at this time,” he said.
Except for during the Milford boat parade, Mr. McLeod said, “There are only a handful of boats that require operation of the bridge each year. ... We will work with them moving forward, and we have already been in communication with the nearby boat-repair business. In addition, the Coast Guard has been contacted and made aware of the current bridge condition, so they can put out a notice to mariners on their website.”
The bridge was built in 1929 and is 112 feet long. It carries about 10,000 vehicles per day, DelDOT said.
City of Milford officials said updates on the drawbridge will be posted on its website as DelDOT provides information.
