§ 255. Unsafe toll bridge. Whenever complaint in writing on oath,
shall be made to the town superintendent, of any town in which shall be
in whole or in part any toll bridge belonging to any person or
corporation, representing that such toll bridge has from any cause
become and is unsafe for the public use, such town superintendent shall
forthwith make a careful and thorough examination of such toll bridge,
and if upon the examination thereof he shall be of the opinion that the
same has from any cause become dangerous or unsafe for public use, he
shall thereupon give immediate notice to the owners of such toll bridge,
or to any agent of such owners, acting as such agent in respect to such
bridge, that he has, on complaint made, carefully and thoroughly
examined the bridge, and found it to be unsafe for public use. Such
owners shall thereupon immediately commence repairing the same, and
cause such repairs to be made within one week from the day of such
notice given, or such reasonable time thereafter as may be necessary to
thoroughly repair the bridge, so as to make it in all respects safe and
convenient for public use. For neglect to take prompt and effective
measures so to repair the bridge, its owners shall forfeit twenty-five
dollars, and shall not demand or receive any toll for using the bridge
until the same shall be fully repaired. The town superintendent shall
cause such repairs to be made and the owners of the bridge shall be
liable for the expense thereof, and for the services of the
superintendent, and upon the neglect or refusal to pay the same upon
presentation of an account therefor, the town superintendent may recover
the same by action, in the name of the town.