I saw this bridge about a month before it was demolished. I saw the news broadcast about its destruction, too. After repeated attempts to blow it up, they finally resorted to cutting through the arches with welding torches and then made a final attempt. When it went down, it fell sideways and landed in the river more or less in one piece. When the newscaster interviewed a local boy, the kid shook his head in disgust at the silliness of adults and said "They told us it was so unsafe we couldn't even walk across it."
Already added: https://bridgehunter.com/vt/grand-isle/bh61028/
I remember my father Rene Berard and his construction business was hired to patch the bridge. I remember standing on the side Of St. Mikes and watching as his men worked. Can you tell me the year that happened?
Thank you, Bonnie Knaus
In the summer of 1968, my mother and I joined my father in North Hero where he was operating a crane to assist in the removal of the footings for this bridge. As I was eleven at the time, my memories are sketchy, but I believe the bridge itself had been removed a few years prior to the final demolition.
We watched from a boat anchored about half a mile away when the footings were dynamited. First, we saw the stone flying in all directions, then felt the shock wave hit the boat. A moment later the sound waves hit. It made quite a bang.
Locals converged on the site in their boats to scoop up the fish that had been stunned by the explosion.
Thanks as always for info Luke
Public, part of a cross-state trail run by a non-profit.
Well, at least the good folks of Chelsea, Vermont have a bridge that is neither astoundingly beautiful or horribly ugly. It's a halfway decent-looking utility bridge that does its job.
"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference."
LOL. I had forgotten about this one. Wonder if the deck is still holding up and the railings still attached. It's been three years.
I see that the pompous essay was removed.
Absolutely no value other than getting across the stream. Just wanted to jump in before the entire page is deleted, hopefully.
This bridge should be listed on C3030 (Bible Hill Road), with an NBI Structure Number of 101422003314221. That lists it as Year Built of 1919 and is confirmed by Lat/Long in NBI.
There is another similar bridge, Best's Covered Bridge, carrying C3037 (Churchill Road) which has the NBI Structure Number 101422003414221 and lists a Year Built of 1890.
Photos 6 & 7 seem to be a different bridge.
This bridge was torn down and a new one opened in 1987.
Here's a photo I took earlier this month:
A couple of problems here:
This is not a Pratt truss. This is a concrete stringer bridge with a wooden cover added. The internal truss is patterned on a Multiple Kingspost system, but that is merely for decoration. The previous bridge lost in Irene was the same deal, being a 1930's steel stringer with a faux wooden cover added in 1970.
There was mention of having a height and weight restriction? The National Bridge Inventory says that this bridge is open with no restrictions, and there is no signage around this bridge indicating one. The previous one did, but not this one.
I haven't been able to find an age or builder for this one. The plate girder design makes it a bit harder to date as well since they didn't change much over the years, but I would say its likely from 1900-1920
Anyone know what year this bridge was built?
This is by far the interesting railroad bridge I have yet to document. The scale and complexity of it was actually a bit staggering...especially in the context of a more rural part of the country where dual-tracked railroad bridges are non-existent (this is the only one in either VT or NH), and the scale of the single track ones never quite come to this level of heavy duty.
The design features are also quite unique. This is pretty late for a pin connected railroad bridge, giving it a elegant look with massive eye-bars and pins. Accounting to a very complex maneuver of crossing the river, the bridge executes 2 turns across the river, creating an even wider 1st span to accommodate the turn. Looking closer, you'll realize that the decking itself is actually built to incline into the curve, making it look crooked at first glance.
Well worth the visit. Wish they could convert this to a rail trail someday, the bridge itself is in excellent condition.
This must have been a classy bridge when built. I hate to see the old ones from this era allowed to decay.
Glad I was in the neighborhood to give this one a quick documentation. A replacement bridge is being built alongside it, with it looking to be getting close to done. Demolition of this bridge will probably follow soon after.
Michael,you got me thinking about something when you mentioned rail.If i'm not mistaken and i might be Reading Iron Co could have made rail parts like the plates,spikes and of course rail.I wouldn't put nothing past an iron company to do that.Like i said i worked for the company that took over Reading Iron so i don't really know what they made with the iron they had.
George, it was my first time ever coming across that stamp in all of my travels, so I don't think it was too common (of course its not like mid 1890's railroad bridges are anywhere near as common as I'd like).
I did find it odd that the stamp was just "Reading, PA" though. But for companies at that time and place Reading Iron Co. seems to fit.
Michael,you said in picture # 29 the iron was stamped with Reading meaning Reading Iron Co.I worked for Cambridge-Lee Industries who Reading Iron became.Didn't know there was iron from that company on any bridges.
Did a site visit on April 30th. I was very happy to see that the bridge got a rehabilitation in 2015, showing that the VTR intends to keep this bridge in service for more years to come. This is important as this is the oldest RR bridge still in service in VT, as well as the only wrought iron one and also as long span example of a riveted double intersection Warren truss
There was some loss of historic integrity of the bridge with this rehab though; Both abutments were rebuilt with concrete (replacing one original stone abutment), some strengthening steel plates were added to the endposts, several rivets replaced with bolts, and the largest hit being the original girder deck stringers being replaced by modern steel stringers. However the overall function of the truss was not affected, and no repairs or modifications had to be made to the truss web.
Not too bad overall. Wish more truss bridges were maintained like this!
Michael,do you know why they would cover over the rail and not remove it?Sounds weird to me.Maybe you or anybody else can find out.
Well looks like my optimism was misplaced. The existing components are going to be replaced with 2 125 foot modern spans. A silver lining is that the original ashlar pier and abutments will be retained and refurbished.
http://www.lvrt.org/bridge-68-to-be-replaced-this-summer
I'm pretty conflicted, as this bridge was quite a mish-mash of components from different times that made it pretty unique, but of questionable historic integrity/value. Its added timber pile piers contributed both to its initial failure, and were going to be a problem in the future. Returning it to a straight 2 span system will prevent future problems and undoubtedly keep down maintenance costs. But on the other hand it was a exceptional demonstration of the desperate times for the STJ & LC with its cobbled-together appearance giving it an incredible amount of character. Maybe it was a bridge only a pontist could love
Bidding has been put out for the construction of this bridge. It'll be nice to see this one put back together!
http://www.bridgeconstruction.biz/bid_opportunities/2017/01/...
Its already in trail use on the The Mile-Around Woods Trail. Its excellent that it was saved...even if it is just over a small ditch!
So is this the site of a future trail? Cause it sure looks like it's just sitting in the middle of a farm over a dry ditch? It's a shame they changed the width, but with the rarity and how long it sat in the landfill I'm glad they saved it!
The date is correct, this is a rebuilt one. The original 1867 bridge was destroyed by an overweight truck in 1980.
This is about as close as you could get to the original as possible though, it was built to the speicifications of the original by a local bridgewright Arnold Graton, who constructed his bridges in the exact fashion as they would have been historically (down to building them on the ground and dragging them into position by Oxen).
Is this 1982 date right or is this a rebuilt bridge?
Nice discovery. There are some small, unassuming bridges out there with strong significance. Looks can be deceiving.
Curious if aggregate is river rounded or crushed. Anecdotally river gravel concrete around here holds up better than more modern crushed.
Never would've guessed that this was any sort of significant, having driven by it more times then I can count. Turns out its (as far as anyone can tell) the first concrete bridge to have been built in VT. And a pre-1900 concrete bridge as well makes it a rare find. I'll have to document it the next time I'm in that area!
This bridge is gone, with the new modern 2 span pony truss built just downstream. This was the only historic multi-span pony truss in VT, and given that it wasn't in the way of the replacement it seems an unnecessarily harsh decision to remove it instead of just leaving it in place.
Good news for this bridge!
https://outside.vermont.gov/agency/ACCD/bylaws/NDRC/V-DAT/Br...
As part of a general reconstruction of downtown, the ugly concrete facade for this bridge will be removed. Coverings on the other side will also be removed, restoring this back to being a bridge and not just a glorified culvert. The bridge itself is a beautiful 2 span marble structure, and its restoration is welcome news and is a success for historic bridges restoration.
Also exciting is that the location for the 1896 Lenticular Pony truss that the town has had in storage since 2013 has been determined and will be just downstream beneath the falls. Eagerly awaiting its placement!
Finally made it out to this one, a bit out of the way but a scenic drive nonetheless. The bridge is a neat survivor of a pre- 1927 flood pony truss. The Warren truss, while common for this length of bridge and time, is lightly built (no doubt owing to its remote location), with the most simple verticals I have yet encountered.
Pervasive rust damage to the lower sections of the bridge have compromised this structure. The Bailey truss runs slightly above the road deck and is independent of the historic bridge.
I concur, and also removed the "Central Vermont" category as well, as the Central Vermont/NECR trackage enters White River junction south of this river and never operated over this bridge. The Montpelier and Barre trackage is what is now the Washington County 'Granite Division' and also never operated here.
This bridge was not a part of the Montpelier and Barre or the New England Central RR.
Between the when the B&M left the line and the Washington County too over the line was operated by the Canadian Pacific railway.
You might be a pontist if family movie night is paused, rewound, and zoomed in because you spotted a builders plate. Thankfully the kids and wife are used to things like this...
The quality of the youtube video isn't enough to read it, but you can at least spot the plate and enjoy the long lost lattice railing.
https://youtu.be/Y0y9zAbX5ts?t=28
It looks like the bridge was replaced this year. Terrible shame, it would have been the only extant Canton Bridge Co. product in VT. But if this shows anything though, there are still notable things to be found!
Missed this one by about 17 years...should've known those sufficiency ratings were too high for a historic truss bridge.
Replaced with a modern welded polygonal warren pony...pretty standard in its design and implementation for this era.
I haven't been able to confirm yet, but there's a reasonable chance this bridge is in storage somewhere. On the '98 Historic Truss plan for the state this bridge was listed for relocation/preservation use. Hopefully that's what ended up happening!
Looks like demolition and replacement to me. Vermont probably thought the covered bridge preservation approach (replace everything and keep calling it historic) was OK with this metal truss bridge as well. Its not. I agree with the observation about Checkered House... that one remains historic.
Not quite, the Checkered House bridge retained as much of the original material as possible during its rehabilitation & widening. The original overhead bracing is still there, with the added material quite distinct (which I appreciate, despite its uneven appearance, as you can still see where the original truss line was). Rivets are still plentiful as well, with only necessary replacements being done. Overall there is enough material to still justify the '29 build date.
I didn't see anything like that on this bridge to hint at its past.
Did this one get the same treatment as the Checkered House Bridge?
I'm hoping to get some input from my peers on how exactly to classify this bridge, as its been making my head hurt. Most likely me just overthinking it...but I like good bridge data :P
This bridge was completely rebuilt in 2011, and its hard to tell how much (if any) is original. The bridge is significantly wider then it used to be (add almost 10 feet to the width), and I couldn't find a single rivet on the entire structure...everything was bolts. The style of the bridge was retained/replicated, with the rebuilt overhead bracing still being built up members (again with bolts though) and the truss web still being the same style.
And thus my quandary: keep it as a single entry and go with "completely rebuilt 2011", or list the old one as "lost" and set up a new entry for this bridge. NBI lists the build date as 2011, reflecting that this is pretty much a new bridge that just looks like the old one.
Thoughts either way?
This little guy is in trouble:
https://natesupdates.wordpress.com/2016/11/01/rabbit-hollow-...
From the report it looks like corrosion of the concrete abutment and stringer pedestals has caused the deck stringers to no longer be supported by the abutment, with the truss handling all the load. Or how the state report eloquently explained it:
"The end of the deck and floorsystem at the northern abutment is now basically cantilevered off from the last floorbeam"
Being owned by the RR instead of the state might make it easier to replace, however this bridge is listed in the States historic truss bridge plan as a top tier candidate for its feasibility of rehabilitation as opposed to replacement.
I also found it odd that this problem cropped up so quickly, with both super and substructures earning a "fair" mark only 2 years ago. Looking at photos from the inspection back in 2012 we could already see section loss and pervasive rust at the abutments. A cautionary tale how a little preventative maintenance back then could have averted this situation now.
At least one other problem the bridge suffers from, aside from the lack of siding, is a leaking roof. When I was out there in June (2016), I noticed that the corrugated roofing is riddled with perforations. It seems to me that the roofing panels were perhaps salvaged from an old barn and re-purposed as roofing for the bridge. Of course, most of the old nail holes don't align with mounting surfaces on the bridge, so there's no doubt that the roof leaks like a sieve.
And a complete lack of any general maintenance. Any span, irregardless of material, needs occasional work. It's unfortunate that this one can't get the restoration it needs...we already have few enough examples of the Paddleford truss system.
Lack of siding will eventually do that to a wooden bridge!
I visited Lord's Creek Covered Bridge earlier this year on June 10, 2016 during a fishing trip throughout the Northeast Kingdom. It is of note that the bridge has now been reinforced with heavy, steel girders. One pair of girders act as stringers, spanning the river and resting on the bridge abutments. Girders have also been added beneath the bridge deck and fastened to the length-wise stringers with heavy u-bolts. Suffice it to say that the bridge's timber trusses, which are still entirely present, have worn to the point that they were likely incapable of bearing their own load; they now serve only to hold up the roof. Even with steel girder reinforcement, it is clear that the timber-framed bridge structure has a distinct negative camber.
I've visited this bridge several times over the years. While it's a shame that the timber trusses have reached the end of their functional lifespan, it's great to see that the bridge was nonetheless saved rather than hastily demolished.
Torched:
http://www.wcax.com/story/33064788/covered-bridge-on-fire-in...
No confirmation yet, but seems likely this will be arson. Having documented this bridge it is sickening to see it reduced to a smoldering heap.
I was trying to find a picture of the bridge crossing rock river before this one. It was located about 1/4 mile upstream on rock river. The footings are still noticeable near the cabin on 10 station rd. Just wondering if you could help. Thanks
7 years on and this exceptional example of an Open-Spandrel concrete arch bridge is still closed awaiting a rehabilitation. It looks like it might take action form the courts to determine who actually owns this bridge (and thus who is on the line for repairs):
http://www.eagletimes.com/news/2016-06-02/Front_Page/Federal...
In the plus column, the article talks positively about the historic value of this bridge and the need for a rehab. Lets hope preservation wins out...
News article about the 2016 rehabilitation for this bridge:
https://charlottenewsvt.org/2016/06/17/extensive-seguin-brid...
Looks like their are some concerns to be had about this process. They'll be increasing the weight limit for the bridge by 2 tons, which while written off by the project manager as not an "appreciable amount" (its a 40% increase), is necessitating a complete rebuild of the floor system, and replacement of the upper chord with wider ones. Also with the process they'll be removing the roof, which presents the opportunity for damage to occur (including possibly the incredibly unique elliptical lateral bracing system).
I did appreciate the fact that they got Jan Lewandoski (who did the '94 rehab and who has a solid reputation for in-kind authentic rehabilitation) to comment for the article, and I share the concerns he mentions with the project.
Like the other bridge on this path, this was bridge was found to be posted "closed to all traffic" as of June 2016, but no barricading to prevent access. Thankfully the trusses are in excellent shape, with no signs of distress. The wooden walkway is spongy / tender though, hence its closing. Still safe to cross though, just watch your step.
Apparently its been like this for a little while:
https://bartonchronicle.com/historic-brick-kingdom-bridges-r...
Found this bridge to be posted "closed to all traffic" as of June 2016, but no barricading to prevent access. Thankfully the trusses are in excellent shape, with no signs of distress. The wooden walkway is spongy / tender though, hence its closing. Still safe to cross though, just watch your step.
Apparently its been like this for a little while:
https://bartonchronicle.com/historic-brick-kingdom-bridges-r...
This long gone bridge indirectly made the local news...evidently the south abutment was still extant, but it collapsed on 5/22/16 with a landslide that is threatening a home.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2016/05/...
I was surprised to see this bridge still standing with no sign of construction, as its been on the docket for demolish and replacement for a while now. In looking into it, there seems to have been a proposed change of plans to utilize a new alignment next to the old bridge (link added in sources). The original plan called for demolishing the truss and replacing, which would have required a lengthy detour.
The new alignment is straight and offers better visibility and roadway alignment, but it goes through an existing house, so acquiring the new ROW will take time, with the current projected date being 2018 at the earliest.
If they proceed on this new alignment though, it should open the idea of leaving the existing truss span in place, instead of demolishing. It would be a tough sell, as standard practice is not to bypass/abandon here in VT (I can only think of 1 such example in the state), however this bridge is significant as a example of a multi-span through truss, the likes of which are all but extinct here.
A very interesting read on the history and construction of this bridge, as there was quite a bit of politics that went into building a stone bridge at this era. Also interesting to know that there could have been a Pittsburgh Bridge Co. bridge here had the contract not been overturned!
Michael,
As its a modern truss, I'm not sure it really matters but, I don't think we can justify calling it a Pratt through truss. Stylistically, its a bowstring but I doubt it functions as a true bowstring from the old days.
That said, its nice to see the crossing complete and something bowstring-like used.
Regards,
Art S.
Info about the current rehabilitation project:
http://vtdigger.org/2015/10/29/historic-townshend-bridge-set...
The Bridge is called The Fox Stand Bridge. The approach to the bridge washed out during Hurricane Irene but was replaced soon after.
The brook, which runs through Wardsboro, is called the Whetstone Brook. This bridge, however, is in Jamaica, not Wardsboro.
I just had a look at the Crown Point Bridge on Nathan Holth's website. That was one awesome bridge! I missed it...
Plus, the silver railings mitigate the loss of the Crown Point Bridge.
Art Deco Revival seems like an appropriate description given that this is a near replica of the Hill to Hill Bridge in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
It does look quite superhero-esque...
Immortal, strong jawed structure, superhero!
Boring! Blasé! Common-place!
If laughter is the best medicine, these comments are going to keep us alive until 2115.
Enlightenment? Simple, one look at the proportions of this bridge.
Actually by 2115, this will be the ONLY bridge. Apocalyptic structural integrity was built into the physics.
One look at the profile of this bridge will immediately double facial symmetry, triple life-expectancy, and quadruple one's generosity of spirit.
One look at the profile of this bridge will immediately double facial symmetry, triple life-expectancy, and quadruple one's generosity of spirit.
The poor Piss Creek Bridge must be feeling unloved with all of the attention being given to this one today.
Where is the Half Star Bandit when you need him?
I'm also going to call bullshit on the 4.25 star rating with 43 votes.
The bridge was added by the architect's business partner, so the "praise" in the description is pretty self-masturbatory if you ask me.
It is not the bridge that is drawing attention here, it is the gushing praise in the description and some comments.
It's kind of like the opposite of trolling; drawing comments by being overly positive. LOL
Actually, Anonymous, we are talking about the Brooklyn Bridge. By the year 2115, historians will consider the two bridges to be of roughly the same architectural significance.
Come along come along with your boatie and your song
My ain bonnie maids, my twa bonnie maids
For the night it is dark and the Redcoat is gane
And ye are dearly welcome back to Skye once again
In terms of fantasy it looks like a Jedi-bridge.
In terms of insanity, it is comparable to the Asylum Bridge in Kansas.
Aluminum handrails and Eastern Hemlock decking do not make up culverts.
Healthy debate is productive where we learn and share ideas objecitvely. Those that like this bridge have conveyed that they too like historic bridges as well and have never been directly offensive, simply stating their point, albeit it exaggerated at times for sure (the comment about the New River Gorge Bridge brought some needed light and humor). Those opposed to the bridge have been directly negative, denying any existence that this bridge looks simple and clean. I wonder if we're looking at the same pictures... We're not talking about the Brooklyn bridge here no, but one should objectively admit that this bridge is certainly more than acceptable...
In terms of beauty, it is comparable to the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.
In terms of engineering, the bridge is a beam on some concrete with some steel handrails, made out of the same materials as culverts. It may do the job. And it may look acceptable, but now these glorified comments have crossed into spam. I would rather see a historic truss here, as would many other contributing members of this site.
Let it be. It does its job. It's not offensive.
In terms of engineering feats, this footbridge is comparable to the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia.
Wrought Iron would be a good choice here for durability.
Galvanized steel is a good choice here for durability
You definitely need 65 tons of concrete for the abutments in Vermont even for shorter span bridges because the snow melt runoff is fierce.
I love the way the light reflects off the aluminum in picture number 10!
Wonder how much it cost because a reused pony truss would have worked well for about 40k. There are so many that need homes.
Fits in there nicely with the snow.
The aluminum railing looks sleek. I've never seen one like it. I agree. Also here the galvanized steel and the decking looks really sweet. The size is makes sense allowing snowmobiles and small excavators to cross without making the opening too wide for larger vehicles.
We all have our opinions which is great. I like historic truss bridges but here would it be too dark for these particular surroundings with all the evergreen trees. This bridge works because it's light and airy here in the location.
I'm with Robert Elder on this one - It's certainly not a bad bridge, but despite the bombastic description, it's not really much more than a simple beam bridge with nice wood decking. Bridge-strength concrete for abutments? It's a pedestrian bridge.
The "truss" is just a decorative railing bolted to the decking.
I'd be much more pleased to see an historic truss bridge here, they could just put in bollards or boulders to prevent large vehicles from trying to cross.
I like the Ironton-Russell Bridge because it makes a cool noise when I drive across it.
Take a deep breath, clear your head, enlarge the first picture in the scroll and let's all admit to ourselves that yes new bridges when done well can look awesome!
This site is seemingly a place mostly for historic bridges– very cool. But what I've seen of most new bridges, this one almost looks historic itself– also very cool!