The bridge is visually quite appealing due to the complexity of the truss style, thus giving it a striking appearance. Standard details that are seen on several other surviving examples (portal decorations, ornate builders plaque, decorative railings) are all absent on this bridge however, perhaps owing to its truly utilitarian nature.
The truss type is both historically and technologically significant and deserves attention. The NRHP identifies this bridge as an example of the un-patented Hilton truss. The name originates from Charles Hilton, who served as chief engineer for the New York Central railroad and popularized the truss type. As railroad loads became heavier and faster, truss types increasingly needed to be strong to be able to meet the demands, and Hilton felt that the multiple points and riveted connections of the Lattice both gave increased strength and durability, but also increased redundancy in case of damage. The design would see use for a few decades, but it was criticized for excessive use of material and adaptability only for small and medium span lengths, which led it to give way by the beginning of the 20th century to the more efficient Baltimore and Pennsylvania truss types.
While popular in railroad applications, this truss type did not see as much in highway use due to the lighter/slower loads expected with wagon traffic in the late 19th century. This bridge is an exception as it was built to service a granite quarry and required a somewhat long (200ft) single span, which necessitated a very strong truss type such as this.
This Bridge was closed to traffic in 1995 due to deterioration, with the state opting for replacement. The community however rallied for repairing the bridge, and after many years of pushing the state finally agreed to rebuild the bridge, which only happened in 2010-2011. The reconstruction resulted in some loss of historical integrity (rivets replaced with bolts, new floorbeams, etc..) However the overall functioning of the truss has not been altered.
A news article mentions that "Ultimately, Renaud Brothers replaced about half of the steel in the bridge, along with about 13,000 wrought iron rivets."
This preservation project was clearly a rehabilitation, NOT a restoration.