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D.C. Closes Bridges, Fears Of Structural Damage

By: David Schultz // August 28, 2011
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Some bridges in the D.C. metro area are closed due to high waters.
David Schultz
Some bridges in the D.C. metro area are closed due to high waters.

The District is closing at least two bridges in Rock Creek Park because it fears flooding from Hurricane Irene could cause structural damage.

Until weather conditions improve, Broad Branch Road will be closed between Brandywine Street and Ridge Road, and Kalmia Road will be closed between East Beach Drive and West Beach Drive.

John Lisle, a spokesman with the District’s Department of Transportation, says these bridges might sustain structural damage because their culverts aren't made to handle this much water.

Lisle says the bigger issue, however, is not structural damage, but high water. He says no one should ever drive over any bridge with standing water because a flash flood could occur there at any moment.

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