Mayflies swarm, cause Wrightsville bridge closures over the weekend
Watch a video of Flint McColgan at the mayfly-enveloped scene.
(Wrightsville) — Officials closed the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Wrightsville because of a two-vehicle crash that occurred around 10 p.m. Sunday.
Wrightsville Fire Chief Chad Livelsberger said a vehicle was slowing because of a swarm of mayflies, which led to the crash. Livelsberger does not believe serious injuries resulted from the crash, though EMS will be conducting a precautionary check.
The bridge reopened during the overnight hours.
The bridge had also closed on Saturday night, after mayflies covered the same bridge and caused two motorcycle crashes.
Attracted to the LED-lit cast-iron lanterns on the bridge, newly-hatched mayflies have died by the thousands, creating a slick surface on the bridge, according to previous reporting.
Marie Coryell, who lives near the bridge, said mayflies were never really a problem until the new lights were installed on the bridge, at least in her memory.
Coryell said she did not know any time the bridge had to be closed because of the mayflies.
“It’s kind of like driving in the snow,” she said of driving over the mayflies. “You either can do it or you can’t.”
More…
Read more about the swarming mayflies on Saturday night.
Also of interest
New throwback lights on Susquehanna River span: ‘This bridge is going to be beautiful’
Absorbing photo and overlay show locations of six Susquehanna River bridges
The Columbia-Wrightsville bridge on June 15, 2015. Photo credit: York Daily Record.
This article comes to us through a partnership between York Daily Record and WITF.
Mosaic is WITF’s home for all things arts, culture and lifestyle.
We spotlight and uplift the creators around us, featuring amazing artists, musicians, authors, chefs, dancers, designers, photographers, and more.
