Ok...assuming you're referring to the bridge in this thread that was apparently torn down 14 years ago, you'd have to call the good folks at Bristol, CT and ask them. Probably Public Works, or whoever is responsible for their physical roads and infrastructure.
Chances are, checking a contractor's license was part of the vetting process for awarding the job. And a permit isn't just to tell the city what you're doing (though that is part of it), it's also a means to track inspections, citations, etc. and review plans and procedures. So yeah...probably going to need it.
was taken down, probably because (1) the OP (Jlav1) was NOT an engineer, but was a member of the public looking for free engineering advice, or (2) the OP's identity was revealed because she revealed the location of the problem and court cases were available online showing her name.