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Last updated on Thursday, January 4, 2018
(PAOLI) - After two years, the Gospel Street Bridge historic bridge in Paoli has opened and was renamed the Sol Strauss and James M. Tucker Memorial Bridge.
The structure partially fell into Lick Creek on Christmas Day in 2015 when the driver of a semitrailer attempted to cross it. The top of the trailer folded as it hit the superstructure, causing the bridge to collapse. Officials say the truck was carrying bottles of water that weighed about 35 tons -- nearly six times the weight limit.
The bridge, built in the 1850's, sat for more than a year while insurance and the Orange County Commissioners worked to begin construction. Insurance for the trucking company ended up paying about $700,000 for the repairs.
The woman driving the semi truck, Mary Lambright, entered a blind plea of guilty to the reckless operation of a tractor-trailer; operating a vehicle over bridge, causeway or viaduct while weighing more than maximum weight; disregarding an official traffic control device; and operating a motor vehicle in violation of restriction.
She was sentenced to 180 days in jail. Her license was also revoked for 180 days.
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