GORHAM, N.H. — The Moriah Brook Trail Bridge closed Tuesday, Sept. 1. Engineers from the United States Forest Service determined the bridge is unsafe and should be removed.

In consecutive storms in 2011 and 2012, Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy delivered extensive flooding in the Wild River watershed, eroding much of the river banks, particularly under the eastern abutment of the bridge. Since those large storms, the river has remained in a state of change, further removing soil and vegetation from the banks. This, combined with decaying wood, made the bridge unsafe.

This pedestrian bridge provided access from Wild River Campground to the west side of the Wild River Wilderness, and the east side of the Carter-Moriah Range.

Hikers need to be prepared to ford the river, find another crossing, or turn back and hike another day. With the closure of this bridge, the only remaining bridge for hikers is at the northeastern end of the Highwater Trail, 7 miles downstream at the confluence of the Wild River and Evans Brook.

A barricade is in place on both sides of the bridge to prevent further use. All trailheads that provide reasonable access to the bridge are posted with notices. Hikers are urged to be prepared by planning ahead.

The Forest Service is currently in the process of developing a proposed action and will be seeking public comments. Comments on locations and alternative suggestions and designs are welcome by contacting Helon Hoffer of the Androscoggin Ranger Station of the White Mountain National Forest at 603-466-2713, ext. 1211.