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Covered Bridge Community News Notes

The www address sources with the articles below will eventually be archived by the originator.
In this case, the originator will usually make the article available for a fee to non-subscribers.

Greenfield, Mass. Covered Bridge To Get A Fix In 2014

December 30, 2013, Greenfield, Massachusetts - The 41 year old Greenfield covered bridge has been out of commission since Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011. The storm, which caused widespread damage, moved the bridge off its abutments. Since that time it has been located in a nearby parking lot. Repairs are scheduled to be begin in April and to be completed by year end 2014. When repairs are completed the bridge will be open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Estimates for the repairs are ranging between $899,000 and $1.7 million. The funds will come from a few sources including the town and FEMA. The town is also considering fireproofing, warning signs for height limits, and a new roof. These additional items will add to the repair cost estimates.

The Greenfield covered bridge was built in 1972 to replace a 100 year old bridge that was destroyed by arson. The current bridge was closed in 2002 due to its poor condition.

The following web link contains the full article from the The Recorder of Greenfield, Massachusetts covering the story of the Greenfield Covered Bridge: http://www.recorder.com/home/10002671-95/covered-bridge-to-get-a-fix-in-2014.

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story. - Ed.]


$479K bid for Covered Bridge Renovation

December 13, 2013, Cullman County, Alabama - After waiting for more than a decade the Clarkson covered bridge will finally get it's needed renovation. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded the project to Bob Smith Construction for the price of $478,998. The renovation is expected to take approximately 60 days and will consist of replacing damaged wood and straightening uneven sections of the bridge.

The Clarkson covered bridge was built in 1904 and is the only existing covered bridge in Cullman county. The bridge, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was first known as the Legg bridge. Over it's lifetime the Clarkson covered bridge has been rebuilt several times.

The following web link contains the full article from the The Cullman Times of Cullman County, Alabama covering the story of the Clarkson Covered Bridge: http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/x1353063004/-479K-bid-for-Clarkson-Covered-Bridge-renovation.

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Brookwood Covered Bridge Saved, For Now

December 3, 2013, Bayside, California - The Brookwood covered bridge was scheduled to be replaced by a modern bridge until local residents joined together to oppose the replacement process. The Humboldt county Department of Public Works had already received a federal grant which provided 100% funding to replace the bridge. However, in a press release a local official announced that the county will "maintain the current bridge rather than replace it". The one lane bridge will require almost $400,000 to rehabilitate. The county is currently exploring options to fund the rehabilitation project.

The bridge, which residents say is part of the "cultural landscape", was built in 1967 and provides access to a small neighborhood locateed off of Jacoby Creek Road. In a 2011 Cal Trans report the bridge was assessed to be in "good to fair condition". Though the bridge has been maintained by the county, timber rotting and insect damage have taken a toll.

The following web link contains the full article including the press release from the The North Coast Journal of Humboldt County California covering the story of the Brookwood Covered Bridge: http://www.northcoastjournal.com/Blogthing/archives/2013/12/03/brookwood-covered-bridge-saved-for-now.

For those of you that use social media, there is also a Facebook page dedicated to saving the Brookwood Covered Bridge: www.facebook.com/brookwood.bridge.

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Feng Yu Covered Bridge Destroyed

November 29, 2013, Chongquig, China - The Feng Yu covered bridge was destroyed by fire on November 28th despite firefighters efforts to save the structure. At this time the cause of fire is unknown and under investigation.

The Feng Yu covered bridge was first constructed in 1591 and had been rebuilt at different times during the centuries. The longest covered bridge in Asia, measuring 303 meters, was constructed of wood without nails. The Fung Yu bridge, also known as the Luck bridge or Flower bridge, crossed the Apeng River with it's traditional pagoda-style roof.

The following web link contains the full article from the Daily Mail about the Feng Yu Covered Bridge fire: Longest Covered Bridge in Asia Destroyed by Fire

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Pinetown Road Covered Bridge Reconstruction Project Update
(WGN 38-36-05)

November 20, 2013 Lancaster County, PA - The Pinetown Road covered bridge repair project is progressing well. This week the trusses were being put into place with the aid of a large crane. Even with the use of modern technology, it's amazing to see how much work is required to locate the 133 foot trusses. The work involved when the bridge was first built and its longevity are truly a testament to its builders.

As part of the reconstruction project, the bridge has been raised 17 feet. This follows the approach taken on other covered bridge reconstruction projects in Lancaster county.

The Pinetown bridge was most recently damaged by Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. The bridge is expected to be open to traffic by years end.

The following web link contains the full article from LancasterOnline which covers the Pinetown Road Covered Bridge progress including a video report and new pictures: Pinetown Road Covered Bridge Reconstruction Project

[Our thanks to James Crouse & Jim Smedley for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Conway's Covered Bridge Reopens

November 17, 2013, Conway, Mass - The historic Burkeville covered bridge (WGN 21-06-01) reopened today after being out of service for 28 years. A number of local residents turned out in spite of the rain for the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the bridge. The first person to ride across the bridge was 97 year old Helen Reed, the towns oldest resident. Ms. Reed rode in style as she crossed the bridge in a horse drawn carriage.

The Burkilleville covered bridge is 106 feet long was built in 1871 using a variation of a Howe truss. The current renovation was completed in 2005 and was the third renovation of the bridge's history. Other renovation took place in 1951 and 1970. The bridge was closed for safety reasons in 1985. According to the website www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM40B5_Burkeville_Covered_Bridge_Conway_MA, the current renovation involved raising the bridge, replacing timber trusses and floor as well as replacing the roof. The Burkeville covered bridge was added to the U.S. Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The following web link contains the full article from the The Recorder of Greenfield, Massachusetts covering the reopening of the Burkeville Covered Bridge: Conway's covered bridge reopens

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story. - Ed.]


The Covered Bridges of
Adams County, Pennsylvania

October 31, 2013 Adams County, PA - The state of Pennsylvania is home to the most covered bridges in the United States. At the present time there are 211 covered bridges located in the Keystone State. Adams County, located in southern Pennsylvania, is home to four of the 211 covered bridges.

James Rada, Jr. presents some of the history and construction techniques of the bridges as he introduces us to the Sachs, Jack's Mountain, Heikes, and the Anderson Farm covered bridges in an article from the September/October edition of the celebrate GETTYSBURG magazine.

The historic city of Gettysburg is located in Adams county. History crossed the Sachs Covered Bridge in July 1863 as conferderate soldiers retreated from the Battle of Gettysburg through it. The Sachs Covered Bridge was built in 1854 and is the oldest covered bridge in Adams County. The bridge was posted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Town truss

Jim Smedley, vice president of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, provides insights on covered bridge coverings, trusswork, weight limits and preservation. Jim is a contributer of news items to the VCBS Community News Notes.

The full story by James Rada, Jr. can be read by going to the following link:
Uncovering the Covered Bridges of Adams County Pennsylvania

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing this story - Ed.]


The Covered Bridges of Indiana
A Radio Interview with Ron Branson

October 29, 2013 Fort Wayne, IN - As was the case in many states, Indiana once had hundreds of covered bridges. The estimates for the number of covered bridges once found in Indiana are as high as 700. Currently there are 90 remaining covered bridges within the state.

The author of the book Covered Bridges of Indiana, Ron Branson, was recently interviewed on NIPR in Fort Wayne, Indiana by Julia Meek. Ron, the founder of the Indiana County History Preservation Society, brought his wealth of knowledge to the interview.

During the interview Julia asks Ron about topics such as "What makes a covered bridge a covered bridge?", "What were they used for?", "Do covered bridges help to foster community bonds?", "When did covered bridges become obsolete?", and "What are the current covered bridge preservation programs?".

The full radio interview by Julia Meek of Northeast Indiana Public Radio can be heard here:
Covered Bridges Disappearing, But Still Community Centerpieces

[Our thanks to James Crouse & Bill Brandenburg for sharing this story - Ed.]


Concord Covered Bridge Struck by Truck
(WGN 10-33-02)

October 29, 2013 Marbleton, GA - The Concord Covered Bridge was struck by a U-Haul truck on Monday as it attempted to pass through the low clearance bridge.

As of Monday afternoon the truck was still in the bridge. There were no reported injuries as a result of the accident.

The Concord Covered Bridge, also known as the Nickajack Covered Bridge, was built in 1872 and crosses the Nickajack Creek. The bridge is 131 feet long, 16 feet wide and a low clearance of 7 feet.

Here is the link to the story from WXIA-TV Atlanta:
Truck Strikes Concord Covered Bridge

Concord Bridge GA-33-02. Photo by Lisette Keating 4/20/04
Concord Bridge - WGN 10-33-02
Photo by Lisette Keating 4/20/2004

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing this story - Ed.]


The Covered Bridges of
Ulster County, New York - Rediscovered

October 25, 2013 Ulster County, NY - The covered bridges of Ulster county, New York are waiting to be discovered and rediscovered again. Some of these bridges have been tucked away for many decades on private land. However, one of the bridges is probably passed by thousands of times a day as drivers cruise northbound on the New York State Thruway.

The Perrine covered bridge can be seen crossing the Wallkill River from the northbound lanes of the New York State Thruway just 5 miles north of the New Paltz exit between mile markers 81 and 82. The Perrine covered bridge has stood in place long before the thruway existed. In fact, the bridge, built in 1844, was over 100 years old when the New York State Thruway was being built. In addition to being the oldest covered bridge in Ulster county, it is also the most accessable.

Two of the historic covered bridges within the county are all located on private land. Enthusiasts wanting to see The Forge or Ashokan/Turnwood covered bridges will need to obtain permission from the land owners.

The Tappen/Kittle and Grants Mills are the last two historic covered bridges located in the Ulster county town of Hardenburgh. These bridges can be visited without permission.

All of the historic covered bridges in Ulster county are listed on the National Register of Historic Places with the exception of the Tappan/Kittle bridge. The Ulster county bridge designs include Burr arch, kingpost and Town-lattice trusses.

Here is the link to the full story by Paula Mitchell that was featured in the October 27, 2013 edition of the Daily Freeman newspaper from Kingston, New York:
Rediscovered Bridges

Also, here is a link to a video by Paula Mitchell of the Daily Freeman that takes a tour of the covered bridges of Ulster county:
Destinations: Ulster County's Covered Bridges

David Guay, VCBS member and historian for the New York State Covered Bridge Society, contributed to this feature story by providing a historical perspective to the covered bridges of the Hudson Valley in New York.

[Our thanks to NYSCBS and VCBS member David Guay for sharing this story - Ed.]


Charleton Mill Covered Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

October 14, 2013 Greene County, OH - There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday October 18th at 10:00am to dedicate the new Charleton Mill covered bridge. According to an e-mail from Jennifer Shuey of the County Engineers Association of Ohio, the new bridge will be replacing the original covered bridge that was built in 1860. The bridge, designed by Smolen Engineering, uses a Howe truss as did the original bridge. The bridge construction work was done by the Righter Company.

If anyone is able to attend this event, please forward some pictures so that we can share this ceremony with the VCBS membership.

Here is a web link to an article about the Charleton Mill Covered Bridge:
Bridge Deemed Unsafe

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing the story. - Ed.]


New Covered Bridge Book:
America's Covered Bridges:
Practical Crossings - Nostalgic Icons

October 10, 2013 - The Covered Bridge community will soon have a new book detailing the covered bridges of America. The book is titled "America's Covered Bridges: Practical Crossings - Nostalgic Icons is written by Terry Miller and Ronald Knapp. The photographer for the book is A. Chester Ong. The book will be availble through Amazon.com on March 25, 2014.

The authors look at over 100 covered bridges across America including bridges from Vermont, New York, Alabama, Indiana and California. Terry Miller and Ronald Knapp tell the stories of these bridges. They look at the stories of how they were built, the technology that was developed and used to build them and the builders themselves.

America's Covered Bridges has been reviewed by David W. Wright, President of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, Inc., Joseph D. Conwill, historian and author, editor of Covered Bridge Topics magazine, David A. Simmons, President of the Ohio Historic Bridge Association, Thomas E. Walczak, covered bridge historian and former president of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Gerald Arbour, Author, Les ponts rouges du Quebec, Montreal, Canada, Arnold Milton Graton, Master Covered Bridge Wright, Ashland, New Hampshire and Morris Tippin, President of the Indiana Covered Bridge Society.

This book can be preordered now through Amazon.com:
America's Covered Bridges: Practical Crossings - Historic Icons

[Our thanks to James Crouse for providing this information - Ed.]


America's Most Beautiful Covered Bridges

September 2013 - Travel + Leisure magazine has released an article showing photos of some of the most beautiful covered bridges in America.

Included in the article are pictures of 18 covered bridges from the the northeast, mid-atlantic, southeast, mid-west and western states. Included are some of the most photographed and painted covered bridges in the country.

The following web link contains the full article from the Travel + Leisure website:
America's Most Beautiful Covered Bridges

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Jericho Covered Bridge, Kingsville, MD to be Renovated

September 26, 2013 - The Jericho Covered Bridge located in Kingsville, Maryland is scheduled to undergo major renovations starting in early 2014. The cost of the project will be around $2,000,000. The original cost for building the bridge in 1865 was $3,125. The bridge will be out of service for approximately one year.

During the bridges 148 year lifetime it has undergone two renovations. The renovations took place in 1928 and 1982. The Jericho Covered Bridge is one of six covered bridges in Maryland and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

The Jericho Covered bridge is constructed using a Burr arch and is listed as being 87 feet long and crosses Gunpowder Falls.

Visit this website for complete details concerning the history and local efforts to rebuild the bridge:
Jericho Covered Bridge - Baltimore Sun Article

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story - Ed.]


Herr's Mill Covered Bridge at Risk
WGN 38-36-21

September 16, 2013 Lancaster County, PA - The privately owned Herr's Mill Covered Bridge is in need of help. Fast! According to officals the help needs to come soon as there is concern that the next hurricane will destroy one of the two sections that make up the historic bridge.

The options to stabilize, repair or restore and relocate the bridge have already been explored. Current estimates for the work range from $15,000 to $985,000 depending on the option choosen. Another option being considered is to use local volunteers for the project to reduce the cost.

The owner of the bridge, located in the Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort, is willing to donate it to anyone who is able to move the bridge. There is an individual interested in moving the bridge to his property. Even with these developments there are obsticles to overcome with the overall legalities. However, individuals and local officials are working to try to come up with a solution before it is too late for the bridge.

Here is a web link to an article with the complete details on the state of the Herr's Mill Covered Bridge:
Who Will Save At Risk Herr's Mill Covered Bridge?

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story. - Ed.]


The 6th Annual Union County Covered Bridge Festival

September 16, 2013 Union County, OH - The 6th Annual Union County Covered Bridge Festival was held September 20 - 22. The festival was located at the Pottersburg Covered Bridge (WGN 35-80-01) in North Lewisburg, Ohio. Festival attendees were treated to bluegrass music, food, hayrides, old fashioned games and a marketplace containing antiques and art.

If any readers attended the festival, please forward pictures of the event so we can share it with the VCBS and others.

The following web link contains the promotion poster for the festival:
6th Annual Union County Covered Bridge Festival

[Our thanks to James Crouse & Steve Stolte for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Pinetown Road Covered Bridge Update
WGN 38-36-05

September 15, 2013 Lancaster County, PA - The Pinetown Road covered bridge is currently undergoing some major repairs. When all the work is completed, some time in October, only the location will be original. The wood is 150 years old and no longer usable. During construction the abutments were found to be loose which required additional work to rebuild them. The construction cost of the original bridge was $4,500 in 1867. Today the cost to rebuild the bridge is $818,546.

The Pinetown bridge was most recently damaged by Hurricane Lee in 2011. Reconstruction work began this past March with a summer 2013 completion date. The completion date has been moved to October due to the discovery of additional damage.

The following web link contains the full article about the Pinetown Road Covered Bridge progress:
Pinetown Road Covered Bridge Update

[Our thanks to James Crouse & Jim Smedley for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Shieldstown Covered Bridge Public Hearing
WGN 14-36-02

September 11, 2013 Brownstown, IN - A public hearing was held to gather input on the proposed rehabilitation project of the Shieldstown Covered Bridge. The scope of work for the rehabilitation includes the repair of the floor joists, chords and arch supports. The wood decking, siding and metal roof will also be replaced. The construction timetable is to be determined.

The Sheildstown Covered Bridge is eligable for listing on the Register of National Historic Places. The bridge was built in 1876 by Joseph Daniels with a Burr Arch truss and crosses the East Fork White River in Jackson County, Indiana.

If anyone was able to attend the public hearing, please pass on a report so we can share it with the VCBS community.

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Ohio's Historic Bridges in Peril

September 3, 2013 Columbus, OH - The state of Ohio ranks second in the nation for the number of original and historic covered bridges. There are currently 145 covered bridges across the state. These covered bridges were built between 1816 and 1919.

Though these covered bridges have endured time, they face a danger from graffiti artists, vandals and even arsonists. Sadly the Ponn Humpback bridge in Vinton county became a victim of arson this past June. This was one of two remaining examples of a special rounded bridge design which cannot be duplicated.

Here is a web link to the complete article and a video from the Columbus Dispatch:
Ohio's Historic Bridges Fall Prey To Vandals, Arsonists

[Our thanks to James Crouse, Michael Chorazy and Jim Smedley for sharing the story. - Ed.]


Fallasburg Covered Bridge Damaged

August 22, 2013 Vergennes Township, MI - Damaged but not destroyed. Local officials called the damage "minor" following a detailed inspection. The Fallasburg Covered Bridge survived an encounter with a cement truck carrying a total wight of 32 tons on Wednesday. The posted limit was 3 tons but apparently the driver did not pay attention to the warning. As a result of the accident the driver was issued a ticket and a large fine of $5,580. The bridge was opened the next day.

The Fallasburg bridge was built in 1871 using a Brown truss to cross the Flat River in Lowell, Michigan.

Here are two web links to articles complete with a local news channel video account of the incident:
Cement Truck Damages Fallasburg Covered Bridge
Fine After Heavy Truck on Covered Bridge

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story. - Ed.]


New Website For Indiana Covered Bridges

August 18, 2013 - Here is a new website for the covered bridges of Indiana: www.historichoosierbridges.com. The website has been set up by Tony Dillion. Tony is requesting comments and suggestions as he continues to work on the website. Contact Tony by email: spansaver@hotmail.com

[Our thanks to Jim Crouse for sharing the story - Ed.]


Covered Bridge Group Sees Need for Speedy Fix to Lyndonville Span
WGN 45-10-02

August 13, 2013 Montpelier, VT - The National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and the Preservation Trust of Vermont are two private, nonprofit groups working to save the Sanborn Covered Bridge in Lyndonville, Vermont. Due to severe structural damage the privately owned bridge is on the verge of collapsing into the Passumpsic River.

The present need is to stabilize the bridge as soon as possible. Experts are projecting that the bridge could collapse within the next few weeks if no action is taken. Funding for the repairs is an issue since the bridge is privately owned. The current owners do not have the funds to stabilize the bridge.

The Sanborn Covered Bridge is historically significant since it is the last of the Paddleford truss bridges in Vermont. The bridge was built in 1869 to cross the Passumpsic River. In 1960 the bridge was moved to the Sanford Farm to cross the West Branch of the Passumpsic River.

Here is a web link to an article and news story from local TV station WCAX:
Vermont Community Worries Covered Bridge Will Collapse

The Burlington Free Press also reported on the emergency situation:
Covered Bridge Group Sees Need For Speedy Fix To Lyndonville Span

[Our thanks to Richard Hiscock for sharing the story. - Ed.]


2013 Dayton Covered Bridge Conference

August 13, 2013 Dayton, Ohio - The Second National Covered Bridge Conference was held from June 5 - 8 in Dayton, Ohio. Presentations were given by individuals from across from the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden and China. In all there were fourteen sessions covering a wide range of topics, from historical to technical, relating to wooden bridges.

In addition to the many sessions there was a presentation of a model of a Chinese bridge by the members of the Taishun, China delegation to David Simmons of the Ohio Historic Bridge Association.

Conference attendees were also able to go on two covered bridge tours to visit the covered bridges of Preble, Greene, Miami and Montgomery, Ohio counties. The tour included visiting bridges with may different truss types: Childs, Multiple King, Burr Arch, Pony, Long, Inverted Bowstring and Warren with Arch. Accompanying the tour were expert builders, engineers and officials.

On the second day of the conference there was also a Hog Roast Dinner provided by the Preble County Historical Society. The setting for the dinner was the historic Sayler-Swartsel Farm. The entertainment for the evening was provided by Puzzle of Light.

For more information on the session details visit this website:
2013 National Covered Bridge Conference Papers

[Our thanks to Jim Crouse for sharing the story and to Christopher Marston for providing the web link - Ed.]


The Covered Bridges of Rush County

August 2, 2013, Rush County, IN - At one time there were 19 covered bridges within the confines of Rush County, Indiana. As of today there are a total of 6 existing covered bridges. These bridges were built by the Kennedy family between the late 1800's and the early 1900's. Locals refer to them as the "...Cadillac's of covered bridges...". Most of the bridges share the common features of white clapboard, scroll work at the entrances and green lettering showing the builder and the year of construction.

Five of the six bridges are still in service although they were not immune to trouble. The Moscow Covered Bridge was nearly destroyed by a tornado in 2008. The bridge was able to be rebuilt with approximately 40% of the original materal being salvaged from from the Flatrock River. The sixth covered bridge sits in a field and has been used as a barn since it was washed away during a flood in 1892.

The bridges are the Moscow (17-70-07), Forsythe Mill (14-70-04), Offutt Ford (14-70-02), Smith (14-70-01), Norris Ford (17-70-08) and Homer Barn (14-70-18). All of the bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places except for the Moscow and the Homer Barn bridges.

Here is a web link to an article about the Covered Bridges of Rush County:
Spanning History: The Kennedy Covered Bridges of Rush County

Here is an additional link which includes a map of all of the covered bridges that were in Rush County:
Rush County Covered Bridge Map

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing the story. - Ed.]


North Manchester Covered Bridge Rehabilitation
WGN 14-85-20

July 25, 2013 Wabash County, IN - The North Manchester Covered Bridge is undergoing a 1.4 million dollar rehabilitation project. The details of the project were presented in a public hearing that was held in January 2012.

James Crouse reports that there is already a great amount of work done. According to James "...The siding was all removed and, as of Saturday, about 4/5 of the roof including rafters had also been removed."

The North Manchester Covered Bridge was built in 1872 employing a Smith truss. This is actually the second North Manchester Covered Bridge. North Manchester Covered Bridge #1 was built in 1850 and lost in 1857.

Here are the public hearing documents provided by INDOT regarding the project:
Public Hearing Cover Presentation
Public Hearing Power Point Presentation

[Our thanks to James Crouse - Ed.]


Erwinna Covered Bridge Damaged Again
PA-39-04

Tinicum PA, July 22, 2013 - The Erwinna Covered Bridge has been damaged for the second time in the past ten months. This time a truck caused major damage a number of support beams. The bridge has been closed to all traffic at this time.

The bridge was reopened in December 2012 after undergoing $110,000 in repairs due to damage caused by another truck in September 2012.

The historic Erwinna Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge is listed as 43 feet long and was built in 1852 to cross the Swamp Creek.

Additional information can be found by visiting the following website:
Historic Covered Bridge in Tinicum Severely Damaged in Truck Crash

[Our thanks to Tom Keating & James Crouse for sharing the story - Ed.]


Covered Bridges Coming to Broadway

July 22, 2013 - The Bridges of Madison County will be coming to Broadway as a musical in January 2014. Here is the official announcecment and website: The Bridges of Madison County and the Facebook page is The Bridges of Madison County - A New Musical.

The off Broadway previews will be taking place at the Williamstown Theatre in Williamstown, Massachusetts beginning August 1st. Aside from being a passionate love story, this musical will put a spotlight on covered bridges!

[Our thanks to Ron Knapp and James Crouse for sharing the story - Ed.]


The Covered Bridges of Alabama

July 18, 2013 - The state of Alabama has a number of historic bridges to be explored. There are a total of 11 historical and 36 modern covered bridges in the 13 counties of Alabama.

With covered bridges dating back to the mid 1800's, there are is an amazing amount of history associated with them. Some of the bridges were built by former slaves, were crossed by Union soldiers during the civil war, and used for hanging outlaws.

Discover the covered bridges in detail by reading this article from AL.com. The article contains a number of covered bridge pictures too.

The Covered Bridges of Alabama

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story - Ed.]


Self Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Lehigh Valley, PA.

July 12, 2013 - This fall would be a great time to spend a day and visit the seven covered bridges in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. The bridges are all located within a 50 mile radius of each other. All the bridges on the tour were built between 1839 and 1858 and were inspired by German bridge design. A few of the bridges are only open for pedestrian traffic. There is no cost for the tour which is self-guided.

Contact the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information. Also, check out this link for information on the web: Day Trip of the Covered Bridges of Lehigh Valley, PA

[Our thanks to Tom Keating for sharing the story - Ed.]


Public Information Meeting held to Discuss the Beaverkill Covered Bridge Rehabilitation Project

June 27, 2013 Rockland County NY - The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) held an informational meeting to discuss the rehabilitation of the Beaverkill Covered Bridge. NYSDOT is working on plans for short term and long term rehabilitation of the historic covered bridge. With the planning stage nearing completion, the construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 and is expected to take 2 years to complete. The estimated cost of the project is 1.5 million dollars.

For complete information visit the NYSDOT website:
Beaverkill Rehabilitation Informational Meeting

[Our thanks to James Crouse for sharing the story. Donna Freeland reported that the bridge was actually open on July 14th. - Ed.]


Spencerville Covered Bridge Reopens
WGN 14-17-01

Spencerville IN, June 26, 2013 - The Spencerville Covered Bridge loacated in DeKalb County, Indiana reopened on June 25, 2013. The bridge was damaged by a semi-truck in September 2012. The repair costs totaled more than $140,000.

The Spencerville bridge, also known as the Coburn Covered Bridge, was originally built in 1873 spanning the St. Joseph River. The bridge is the only covered bridge in DeKalb county and has been listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Additional information can be found by visiting the following website:
Spencerville Covered Bridge Reopens

Spencerville Covered Bridge Courtesy of Satolli Glassmeyer. Used by permission.
Spencerville Covered Bridge
Photo courtesy of Satolli Glassmeyer

[Our thanks to James Crouse and Satolli Glassmeyer for sharing the story - Ed.]


Cabin Creek Bridge Restoration Begins
WGN KY-68-03

Recktorville, KY, March 12, 2013 - Arnold Graton and Walker began a two year restoration of the bridge last February.

The 114-foot Cabin Creek or C.F.Ferguson Farm or Macky or Hughes Farm Bridge was built in 1873 using a multple kingpost truss to cross Cabin Creek.

The cost to restore the bridge will be approximately $1.2 million. All funding is coming from a transportation enhancement program.

The bridge was closed in 1983 to foot and vehicle traffic, due to storm damage. It fell into disrepair after flood waters damaged more of the bridge. For the story and pictures go to:
http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/cabin-creek-bridge-restoration-begins/article_52e7f76a-fbf5-5fcc-9c4f-fdfd9f87e42b.html#.URumm1t13eg.email

[Our thanks to Jim Crouse for sharing the story - Ed.]


Green Sergents Covered Bridge Struck Again. . . and Again
WGN NJ-10-01

DELAWARE TWP., February 26, 2013 - Struck again, the last covered bridge in the State of New Jersey. This time it was a canadian trucker, February 24 about 11:45 p.m. A "support beam" was found hanging down inside the bridge but the bridge remains open to traffic.

The bridge was struck in February 1994 and again in December 2010. The road suppervisor claims the bridge has been struck at least five times.

The 84-foot Green Sergeants Bridge was built in 1892 using a queenpost truss to cross the Wickecheoke Creek and named for Mill operator Richard Green Sergeant.

For the story and slide show, go to:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2013/02/last_public_covered_bridge_in.html

[Our thanks to Ton Keating for finding the story - Ed.]


Maxwell Crossing Covered Birdge
WGN 55-03-04
by Bill Caswell

February 19, 2013 - You may have heard that the Maxwell Crossing covered bridge in Charlotte County, New Brunswick, was severely damaged by a car that lost control on January 26th. At a public meeting on Feb. 6th, the DOT representative stated that they are considering replacing the bridge since that alternative would be cheaper than repairing it.

The residents have begun a petition drive asking the DOT to repair the bridge instead of replace it. This morning, I noticed that the local newspaper, The Saint Croix Courier, has a poll on their website about this issue - http://stcroixcourier.ca/. I am sending this note hoping that a few of you will visit the website and cast a vote towards repairing the current bridge instead of replacing it.

Also, on behalf of the NSPCB, I sent letters to Claude Williams, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Trevor Holder, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture urging them to have damaged structure repaired.

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Joe Nelson, P.O Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465-0267
This file posted 04/16/2014