Three illegal bridges removed from Sweetwater Creek to prevent flooding

Public Works crews removed at least three homemade bridges from Sweetwater Creek on Tuesday morning after discovering the unauthorized structures spanning the waterway.According to city officials, the homemade bridges cause debris to collect around and underneath them, creating a dam effect that leads to flooding and flood damage for surrounding properties. The structures directly violate local city stormwater codes as well as National Flood Insurance Program and Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations.Public Works crews spent the morning removing the bridges along with garbage that had accumulated in and around the creek.City officials instructed anyone who built a bridge that has not yet been removed to dismantle it immediately to protect the safety and integrity of the waterway and nearby properties.Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.