Swarming Bugs Force Crews To Plow Mississippi River Bridge

“We had Iowa [Department of Transportation] came in with a snow plow and actually plow them off and then sand it because it was still pretty slippery”. “If the water quality was bad, we probably wouldn’t have any mayflies”. When they arrived, they were greeted by a sight straight out of the Book of Exodus: a knee-high pile of mayflies.

The swarm was filmed by Sabula resident Teena Franzen, who traveled to the scene in her son’s police vehicle. After arriving, Franzen recorded the incident in the video featured below.

The mayflies were piled “knee high”, making it almost impossible for cars to see, according to Reserve Officer Stephen Thayer of the Sabula Police Department, WQAD-TV reported.

Officials say motorcycles especially need to use caution, as two lost traction Saturday night on the bridge while trying to navigate through the crush of insect bodies on the bridge. “And then Illinois plowed their side”, Thayer added.

Crews said they plan to keep the bridge lights turned off for the next few weeks in hopes that the insects will be less attracted to the area.

“You might want to get DOT out here for the shadflies”.