UPDATED 2/29:
This traffic cam video might get you to think twice about using the temporary pedestrian walkway that was erected recently to allow PEDESTRIANS across the stretch where a new permanent Rockland Street bridge is being built over the railroad tracks, hopefully by fall — although the Boston Globe reports that construction plans have hit a snag.
According to Wellesley Police Department, “The vehicle could not navigate the sharp turn on the footbridge and backed up. We did not receive a call about the vehicle traveling on the bridge until it was in the process of backing up so the vehicle was gone on the officer’s arrival….There was no damage done to the bridge.”
WPD has contacted the state about putting up a more permanent type of barrier that would still allow for wheelchair and carriage access to the footbridge. “Until something more permanent is erected we have placed some large construction barrels at the entrance to discourage anyone from attempting the same thing,” says Lt. Marie Cleary.
And about that traffic camera?
“The traffic camera is for the traffic signals and monitors the traffic to adjust the signals according to the volume of traffic. Many of the newer intersections in town have similar cameras set up to monitor the volume of traffic,” Cleary says.
RELATED: Running across the pedestrian bridge (video)
The temporary foot bridge seems rather flimsy. It’s lucky that it did not collapse onto the commuter rail tracks or train! I can’t imagine what circumstances would lead a driver to think he or she should attempt to drive his or her car over that bridge.
What!!!! This story needs a follow up. I’d like to know what the driver did when they came to the other side. Do you have video of that? Did the weight of the car compromise the bridge at all? Has anything been done to prevent this from happening again?
Wait wait wait — is it even possible for them to drive off the other end of the bridge? Did they have to then back up back across the bridge?
That’s just mindblowing! Now I’m even more scared to walk on it! And are those guys going to finish the job? Haven’t seen any work for over a week.