THETFORD — Police are investigating after a vehicle crashed through a covered bridge in Thetford last week.
Authorities were notified that the Union Village Covered Bridge on Academy Road was hit by an oversized box truck at around 9:40 a.m. on Feb. 24.
The bridge is posted at 10 degrees and posted some distance prior to the bridge giving time ample warning for larger vehicles.
Police say the vehicle was traveling north on Academy Road when it passed through the bridge causing extensive damage to upper braces.
Upon exiting the covered bridge the box truck continued towards Vermont Route 113.
Information is being gathered from witnesses who observed the event and observed wooden beams falling from the top of the vehicle a short distance from the bridge.
Bridge debris was removed, and the bridge was opened for traffic.
Crews from the company which have repaired the bridge in the past arrived to assess the damage and recommended contacting state engineers to evaluate the bridge.
The result of the engineer’s inspection supported keeping the bridge open for traffic, making emergency cross brace repairs the following week, and completing final repairs in a timely manner.
The Thetford Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the vehicle responsible for the damage.
Residents who reside along Vermont Route 132, Academy Road, or Vermont Route 113 and have security cameras may have captured the vehicle.
