Insect invasion closes CT River bridge

Springfield police officers responded to the iron bridge (former toll bridge) spanning the Connecticut River to assist Charlestown Police Department with closing the bridge due to an insect infestation causing visibility & traction issues.

It appears the high humidity and the heat from the lights caused a hatching of mam-moth proportions. It was estimated that there was 1 1/2 inches of bug debris in places.

Even after a thorough rinsing, the New Hampshire Highway Department had to sand the bridge to regain traction.

The insects turn out to be mayflies which live most of their life on the river bottom, until the end when they emerge from the water winged, living only long enough to mate and lay eggs.