The Indian River Inlet Bridge is shown Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. (Photo: WBOC)INDIAN RIVER INLET, Del. - State transportation crews are removing up to five feet of sand from the highway leading up to the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
The new bridge, which was not damaged, has been closed since the weekend. Hurricane Sandy pushed sand from a nearby dune into the northern approaches making driving impossible for passenger vehicles.
As of Thursday, the state had no time frame as to when the stretch of road would reopen, Delaware Department of Transportation spokesman Jim Westhoff said.
Dozens of crew members and nearly two dozen pieces of equipment were working to clear the sand, Westhoff said. Some of the heavy equipment does not have lights, limiting the ability to work at night. The Delaware National Guard was lending equipment for the job, DelDOT said.
The approaching roadway to the old, unused bridge was also damaged and must be removed.
The bridge connects Sussex County's northern and southern resort communities. Detours are in place.
