The bridge had just been resurfaced in Autumn 2013 during a prolonged trail repair closure. If the problem was so apparent, why was the bridge left in place? I'm sure the bridge was decayed, but would not characterize failure under a 7-ton load as "sudden collapse."

I should add that the decay was likely increased by the "repaired" replacement surface, which is a synthetic material with gaps below.  Unlike the original plank surface, this design collects water inside the bridge to the point you can actually hear sloshing as you cross the boards. This is the current situation at Fish Creek Bridge (which now has "load" warnings).