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Forest Service closes bridge at risk of collapse after summer flooding

The Cloquet River Bridge on Forest Road 122-Langely River Road in the Superior National Forest, is closed as of Oct. 8, 2024, due to threat of imminent collapse. The bridge was damaged during flash flooding in June.
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US Forest Service
The Cloquet River Bridge on Forest Road 122-Langely River Road in the Superior National Forest, is closed as of Oct. 8, 2024, due to threat of imminent collapse. The bridge was damaged during flash flooding in June.

June flash flooding in northeastern Minnesota washed away stream sediment from around the piers of the continuous-span bridge over the Cloquet River.

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST — A forest road bridge is at risk of sudden collapse and is closed until repairs are completed.

The Superior National Forest announced in an Oct. 8, 2024, news release that the Cloquet River Bridge on Forest Road 122-Langely River Road has integrity issues due to June’s flash flooding in the Arrowhead.

“The center pier is scoured with about 75% undermining at the upstream end of the bridge footing,” stated Preston Tripp, civil engineer technician, in the release. “The bridge is a continuous span and is at risk of sudden collapse.”

Bridge scouring means stream sediment, such as sand or gravel from around the bridge and piers, washed away from fast-flowing water, creating scour holes. Such hazards to bridge footing and its foundation can cause bridge collapse.

The bridge is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, all-terrain vehicles and utility task vehicles. Find more information on storm impacts on the Superior National Forest website.

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