A truck driver in Colorado narrowly avoided driving into a collapsed bridge after ignoring road closure barriers and warnings from patrol officers during severe flooding in the region.
Footage released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) captured the vehicle approaching the San Juan River Bridge on US Highway 160, near Pagosa Springs, despite attempts by officers to signal the driver to stop.
The bridge has collapsed following severe flooding, leaving a broken section that drops towards the river below.
The truck eventually stopped just a short distance from the damaged edge.
According to CPW, the driver had already passed through a barricade positioned on the opposite side of the road before approaching the dangerous section.
Wildlife Officials Share Footage of Near-Miss
CPW shared the video on social media, highlighting the dangers of disregarding road closure instructions.
“Don’t be the person who blows through a Colorado Department of Transportation roadblock and almost drives into the Piedra River,” the agency wrote.
The San Juan River Bridge is situated near Pagosa Springs, a southwestern Colorado community that has been particularly affected by the recent flooding.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) confirmed that the bridge has been closed since October 24.
In its closure notice, the department said there was no estimated reopening date, explaining that the timeline would depend on river levels and weather conditions.
Severe Flooding Causes Widespread Disruption
Southwest Colorado has experienced severe flooding over the past week, creating hazardous conditions across the region and prompting the closure of several major roads.
The flooding has also caused intermittent disruptions to electricity, internet and mobile phone services.
The Animas River reached 13,000 cubic feet per second on Monday morning, marking its highest recorded level since the 1911 flood and the second-highest level in recorded history, according to CPW.
CPW Southwest Region Manager Cory Chick described the situation as rapidly changing, with conditions shifting from hour to hour.
“This is a dynamic situation with conditions changing hourly.
Please understand that what southwest Colorado is facing right now is a disaster that will take considerable time to work through,” Chick said in a news release on Monday.
He added that agency staff would continue working to support residents as they dealt with the effects of the flooding and looked after their families, properties and neighbours.
Officials Warn Against Travelling Through Affected Areas
Authorities have implemented multiple road closures in response to the flooding, with officials urging motorists to avoid travelling through affected locations.
CPW Area Wildlife Manager Rick Basagoita of Monte Vista said that even where the Forest Service had managed to reopen certain roads or establish alternative routes, travelling into those areas remained strongly discouraged.
Officials also warned residents and visitors against coming into contact with floodwater because of contamination concerns.
According to CPW, the water has been affected by multiple major spills and the complete destruction of some sewage treatment plants, creating additional hazards for anyone exposed to it.
