3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

A small wooden bridge near Sabin, Minnesota, has been badly burned by flames, raising concerns about the safety and future of the crossing. The Clay County Road Department and Village Board intend to discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting. According to Justin Sorum, the county engineer, the bridge was constructed of railroad ties and has been evaluated as structurally interior. It is spanned over the Buffalo River and should be decommissioned. Sorum said he has no data on the amount of traffic on the bridge, but it is likely that it is only used a few times a day. Replacing the ferry will be a joint decision between the county and the township.

The blaze was reported around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, with Sheriff Mark Empting suspecting arson. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting in the investigation. The bridge remains closed, inconveniencing local commuters.

This incident underscores the need for regular maintenance and monitoring of bridges, especially those with low traffic volumes. Structural deficiencies in the bridge indicate that it may have needed repair or replacement even before the fire occurred. In addition, arson is a serious crime that puts lives and property at risk, and should not be taken lightly.

Closing the bridge will likely cause delays and detours for local residents who use it for their daily commute. The Clay County Highway Department and the township board must work together to determine the best course of action to repair or replace the crossing. Factors such as cost, traffic volume and safety must be carefully considered.

The community hopes the investigation will provide clarity and determine the way forward. In the meantime, the community is reminded of the importance of responsible behavior and the need to obey traffic laws to prevent accidents and incidents like this one. In conclusion, the damaged wooden bridge near Sabin serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure to ensure public safety. The arson investigation should be taken seriously and steps should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.