Gaithersburg bridge reopens after flooding damage
GAITHERSBURG, Md. - A bridge in Montgomery County that was initially reported to have partially collapsed after heavy rainfall and flooding on Tuesday night was later found only to be damaged and reopened late Wednesday morning, officials said.
State Highway Administration spokesperson Charlie Gischlar said severe weather sent storm water over the bridge and damaged asphalt sections, but no collapse was identified.
RELATED: Severe weather alert: Strong thunderstorms expected through Tuesday evening
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said early Wednesday that the bridge was closed after crews found additional road buckling in the area. Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes while State Highway Administration engineers inspected the site and determined it was structurally safe, though repairs were needed to fix a large pothole and washout beneath the pavement.
Crews were cleaning up across the Washington, D.C. region for much of Wednesday morning after Tuesday’s storms brought heavy downpours, tornado warnings and flash flooding.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer, the State Highway Administration and the National Weather Service.