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Grafton
County, New Hampshire
New Hampshire No.
28 (WGN 29-05-03) (WGCB NH-05-03): (1849; Closed
2006; Repaired 2007) A four-span 374' 6" Burr truss with supplemental
arches over the Ammonoosuc River. Located: Off US 302 and SR 10, Bath,
New Hampshire. The current bridge is the 5th to occupy the site and was
built in 1832 at a cost of $3,500. The first bridge was built in 1764 at
a cost of $366.66 and was destroyed by a flood and replaced in 1806. The
2nd and 3rd bridges were also destroyed by floods and replaced in 1820
and 1824. The 4th bridge was destroyed by fire in 1830. On December 16,
2007, while undergoing an inspection by New Hampshire DOT engineers the
town of Bath, New Hampshire, the bridges owner, was ordered to immediately
close the structure when DOT inspectors found three floor joists severely
cracked and support blocks out of position. The structure was reopened
after being closed for three weeks for repairs. The bridge is currently
posted for 3-tons allowing only pedestrians and light traffic. The bridge
is closed to truck traffic, including emergency vehicles and school buses.
The town had previously sought bids for a $90,000 repair project, but there
were no bidders. Meanwhile, the bridge is on DOT's funding list for restoration
in 2009 for an estimated $1.6 million in state money, the town to pay 20
percent. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places September
1, 1976. (Sep 2002) |
