Oversize Truck Hit Closes Bridge Over Merrimack River

A bridge over the Merrimack River between West Newbury and Haverhill was closed indefinitely Thursday to both vehicular and marine traffic after a truck caused structural damage.

Neighbors told WHAV the hit sounded like a bomb went off.

The Rocks Village Bridge between River Road in West Newbury and Wharf Lane in Haverhill was shut down by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation after an over height truck struck the bridge. An inspection determined that this caused "significant damage to several key structural components."

A comprehensive inspection will take place on the underside of the bridge to fully determine the extent of the damage. MassDOT did not estimate when the inspection will be complete.

Marine traffic is not permitted around the bridge until Memorial Day weekend.

The closest alternative crossing is Route 97 between Groveland and Haverhill.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH