A bridge linking New York and Vermont is open to traffic after being shut down over the weekend. The Champlain Bridge between Crown Point, New York, and Addison, Vermont, was ordered closed Saturday night by a New York Department of Transportation inspector. That was after a passing motorist reported a five-inch gap in the deck of the bridge.
Engineers examined the bridge Sunday morning and found it structurally sound. Traffic resumed over the bridge shortly before noon. Essex County emergency services officials say the gap in the bridge deck resulted from an expansion joint that malfunctioned in sub-zero temperatures. DOT crews will work on the bridge this week to lubricate and service the span’s expansion joints.
New York and Vermont share ownership of the 76-year-old bridge, which is used by thousands of commuters each day.