Section 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.