Driver Ignores Roadblock and Nearly Plunges Into Colorado River as Floodwaters Destroy Bridge
A driver narrowly avoided disaster after bypassing a roadblock and approaching a severely damaged bridge in Colorado, where powerful floodwaters had already caused part of the structure to collapse.
The frightening incident happened near Pagosa Springs, on U.S. Highway 160, where the Piedra River Bridge had suffered extensive damage following days of severe flooding.
Video released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) shows a pickup truck approaching the damaged bridge despite a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) roadblock intended to keep motorists away from the dangerous crossing.
As the vehicle moved closer, construction workers and a sheriff’s deputy could be seen frantically waving their arms and shouting warnings.
“Stop! Stop! Stop! Back up! Back up! Back up!” people yelled as the truck approached the collapsed section.
The footage shows large cracks across the concrete roadway, with one section having dropped several feet below the remaining surface. Powerful floodwaters could be seen rushing underneath the damaged structure.
Fortunately, the driver stopped just before reaching the collapsed portion and reversed away from the danger.
CPW later shared the footage with a blunt warning to motorists, emphasizing that the bridge was no longer safe to cross and that drivers must obey road closures.
The incident came as southwestern Colorado was recovering from two rounds of severe storms that brought heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.
According to CDOT, the support piers of the Piedra River Bridge had collapsed, leaving the structure in need of a complete rebuild. The bridge is located approximately 18 miles west of Pagosa Springs and is a ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal connection along U.S. Highway 160.
The damage has caused major transportation disruptions, with officials warning that motorists could face lengthy detours while repair crews work to restore access.
CDOT said it had received approval for $11.5 million in immediate emergency funding, including $6.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration and $5 million from the Colorado Transportation Commission.
The agency estimated that flood damage across the region could require approximately $65 million in federal emergency assistance.
The bridge incident was one of several dangerous situations caused by the flooding. Roads, culverts and other infrastructure across southwestern Colorado were also damaged, while officials urged residents to avoid flooded areas and unnecessary travel.
Authorities have not publicly identified the driver or confirmed whether any citation was issued over the roadblock incident.
The video serves as a stark reminder of how quickly flood damage can turn an ordinary road into a potentially diᩚadℓy trap. In this case, the quick intervention of workers and a deputy prevented the vehicle from reaching the collapsed bridge.
Source: DAILYMAIL
