Section 2

Section 2. And whereas the erecting of bridges over creeks or rivers of water, to the obstruction of their navigation, where navigable, doth not only affect the interest of the owners of lands upon and near navigable waters above those bridges, but also the trade of this province in general: And the better to preserve the navigation of those rivers and creeks, divers laws of this province have from time to time been enacted, but the same, upon experience, have been found not fully to answer the ends thereby intended: Be it therefore further enacted, That no bridge, frame or device whatsoever, shall, at any time to come, be made, erected, upheld, sustained or repaired, over any creek or river within this province, navigable for any sloop, shallop, flat, or other craft, that shall or may in any wise stop or hinder the navigation of any such sloop, shallop, flat or other craft, or floats of logs; any law, custom or usage, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding.