Since I work with engineering consultants and their E[HTML_REMOVED]O insurers, let me say that the geotechnical and or structural consultants would have used strong language. If they didn't then there could be an issue. I'm certain that bridge was fucked. The correct thing to do was remove it.
While I don't doubt that the bridge's original load rating was compromised to some degree, all I am saying is that I'm still not convinced there was a pressing reason that I can see to remove it immediately as was done. Close it: yes. Then when the water level receded, the bridge and foundations could be properly inspected and an appropriate load rating (people and bikes only?) or further repair or removal action determined.
What the consultants report would have said would also have depended on the the frame of reference they were given by Metro. If Metro asked "Is is safe?" then for liability reasons they would have had to say no. If Metro asked "Can it be saved and what would the cost of this versus a new bridge be?" the answers may have been very different.
Was the water level this winter back up to the same level as the original winter or did the dam subside at least somewhat? Because of the closure I really don't go there often anymore other than a couple times last summer when the water level under the bridge was not that high.
In any case, there are people other than me who are a lot more up in arms about this than I am so I'm not sure why I'm carrying their torch. I just hate to see costly, knee jerk, nanny state decisions made that don't necessarily make sense and which limit my freedom of movement and my freedom to determine my own level of risk acceptance. When I waded across the river this summer just upstream of the bridge the foundations still visually appeared to be in good condition (I'm not saying they were or were not safe, just that they looked that way) which got me wondering what the process was that lead to this decision.
I may still follow up and see if I can get a copy of the consultants report but I'm pretty much done with this forum thread as no one here seems to have any more hard information than I do.