Champlain Bridge Demolition
80 year old Champlain Bridge, spanning Lake Champlain from Vermont to New York, imploded this morning at 10:03am. A controlled detonation of hundreds of explosives blew simultaneously, and took the Champlain Bridge down in one large blast, sending the bridge into the icy waters of Lake Champlain. Heavy snow and fog prevented good visibility for hundreds lined up along both sides of the lake to view the demolition.
Many New England tourists, Rhode Islanders included, have been to Vermont to see the beautiful fall foliage. Chances are they've crossed the Champlain Bridge at some point in time. No longer is that possible, as the historic bridge that took travelers back and forth from New York to Vermont for 80 years is now just a memory.
They Blew Up the Champlain Bridge! Don't Miss the Slideshow Below!
Vermont Governor Jim Douglas did the honors and pushed the button that detonated hundreds of explosives. The bridge toppled in seconds, in a less-than-impressive show. Officials expected the noise of the explosion to be very loud, but with fog and falling snow, the sounds were disappointing and muffled. However, from where this reporter sat - about 18 miles away - the echo from the explosion came about 15 seconds later, and sounded like a large cannon going off.
LIVE VIDEO Demolition Day December 28, 2009
Security was tight around the bridge demolition area. The FAA instituted a 2,000 foot no-fly zone during the blast. A water safety zone was also established that will restrict water traffic from hindering clean up and removal of the bridge from the channel. Public viewing was kept a safe distance away from the demolition site due to the possibility of flying debris. Shock waves along shore were also a concern as the heavy bridge fell into the partially frozen icy water all at the same time. Removal of bridge parts would begin immediately with cranes lifting debris onto barges and taken away.
The Champlain Bridge was closed to vehicles and pedestrians on October 16th, 2009. Ever since inspections noted severe cracks and erosion of the Champlain Bridge pillars, construction of a new bridge spanning Lake Champlain had been discussed. It was reported to be unsafe for traffic at the time. Demise of the bridge has caused hardship on both sides of Lake Champlain. Thousands of people traveled back and forth daily from New York to Vermont for work, school, etc. Businesses have been forced to close their doors, and many employees on both sides have had to decide whether the long detour is worth the trip.
Champlain Bridge Opening Day
"On Aug. 26, 1929, tens of thousands of residents from both sides of the lake came together in a parade of boats and floats representing local towns. At the center of the bridge, Vermont Gov. John Weeks and New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt shook hands, uniting their states," says Erwin Clark, co-president of the Addison Town Historical Society, for WCAX.com. "Roosevelt, true to form, talked politics. "He said, 'Now, does this mean you Vermonters will come over to New York and make Republicans out of us or will we go over to Vermont and make Democrats out of you?'" Clark recalls. Make sure to see the Opening Day video below.
Sources: wcax.com; wptz.com; rutlandherald.com
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
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