The cause is uncertain, but the consequences are obvious.
The Dept. of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal closed the Rainbow Bridge outside of Amherst on Highway 2 on Dec. 8th after the truss span had two bottom chord members fail, which resulted in the structure sagging.
The specific cause has not been determined, media relations advisor Brian Taylor said on behalf of the department Monday. “Engineers are determining how extensive the damage is, and the appropriate next steps,” Taylor said.
A detour is available around the structure via Route 302, Southampton Road and the Smith Road. Traffic approaching Amherst is being rerouted a short distance on the Nappan and Lower Porter Road, while traffic leaving Amherst is required to take a lengthier detour using the Smith Road.
