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Norwich, Connecticut - On Sunday, September 13, 2015 Connecticut will have a new covered bridge, the first new bridge since 1874! Built exactly as it would have been built 150 years ago using only traditional materials and methods by the last covered bridge builder in America. The Norwich bridge is being built by Master Bridge Wright Arnold M. Graton of Ashland, New Hampshire, who has constructed 16 covered bridges throughout the United States. Gold Mine Bridge, named after a nearby abandoned gold mine, is 60 feet long and 18 feet wide and weighs over 45 tons. As with many covered bridges that were built in the early 19th century, Gold Mine Bridge was built on land and will be moved into place over the water by a team of oxen. Traditionally when covered bridges were moved into place the local citizens threw a party with music and food to celebrate their good fortune and we plan to do the same. So if you wish to witness a little bit of history, bring your lawn chair and camera and enjoy the celebration! Gates will open at 10:00 AM.

Take Route 91 South toward Hartford, take Exit 30 (this is a left hand exit) and will put you on Route 84 East, take Exit 55 (New London-Norwich) Route 2. Stay on Route 2 toward Norwich until Exit 28S (395 South – New Haven). Take Exit 28S and get off the first Exit, Exit 11 (Old Exit 80). At the bottom of the exit turn left onto Route 82, go about 1/4 mile, there will be a mall on the left (Backus Outpatient Clinic, McDonalds, etc). 50 feet from the entrance to that mall will be a left, Wawecus Hill Road. Turn left onto Wawecus Hill Road and go 1.1 miles the bridge will be on the left. If you wish to stay overnight there is a Holiday Inn at the bottom of Exit 11. Turn right onto Route 82 and its about 100 feet to the entrance. Tell them you are with the Covered Bridge Event and they will give you a discount on your room.*

Take Route 95 to (Route 395 North). Take Exit 11 (Old Exit 80) (Norwich) at the bottom of the exit turn right. There will be a mall of the left (Backus Outpatients Clinic, McDonalds, etc.). 50 feet from that mall entrance will be a left, Wawecus Hill Road. Turn left onto Wawecus Hill Road and go about 1.1 miles, the bridge will be on the left. If you wish to stay overnight there is a Holiday Inn on Route 82. Turn Left and it will be on your right. Tell them that you are here for the Covered Bridge Event and they will give you a discount on your room.*

*Reservations must be made before August 21st to get the discount.

Here are a few links that provide coverage of the Gold Mine Covered Bridge:

The Norwich Bulletin: Hand-built covered bridge opens in Norwich

The New York Times: Building a Covered Bridge in Connecticut and a Link to the Past