Damaged Pittsfield bridge removed - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Damaged Pittsfield bridge removed

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A century-old Pittsfield footbridge that collapsed months ago, blocking the flow of the Housatonic River, has finally been removed.

The 100-foot steel-girded bridge was taken from the site off East New Lenox Road earlier this week and disposed of.

The exact date the bridge came down is unclear, though the city suspects it happened during the late summer, possibly around the time of Tropical Storm Irene.

Caleb Mitchell, the city's conservation agent, tells The Berkshire Eagle that large amounts of
garbage and debris began collecting behind the bridge, making it a hazard.

The removal was delayed because of jurisdictional questions. Property on one side is owned by General Electric Co. and property along the other side is owned by the state.

The $50,000 costs of removal was split evenly.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)