Built in 1931, a new state-operated toll bridge connected the towns of Richmond and Dresden. In March of 1936, the collected tolls had not yet paid for its operating expenses. The Portland Press Herald noted "Nature showed that she is no respecter of finances or state budgets."

In this aerial view, taken by Guy Gannett’s Portland Flying Service, the ice-packed Kennebec River violently tore off several bridge sections and, under intense pressure, moved them downstream, past the village of Richmond.

Local newspapers highlighted the widespread destruction of state infrastructure, including bridges, dams, and highways.