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Orange
County, Vermont
(WGN
45-09-04) (WGCB VT-09-04): (1904;
restored 1909; strengthened 1977; new roof 2002; repaired 2004) A
single-span multiple Kingpost over multiple Kingpost truss 38' 4" over
the Second Branch of the White River. Located: North of South
Randolph, Vermont on Braley Covered Bridge Road. Directions:
Tricky and quite dangerous. Continue north on SR 14 from the Gifford
Covered Bridge (WGN 45-09-03) to a sharp
left downhill onto Braley Covered Bridge Road (which is also known as Blaisdell
Road) 0.1 mile to the bridge. It is easy to go past the turnoff and
not know its there. Look for a white highway sign saying the posted
weight limit is 16,000 pounds. The real dangerous part is the return
from the bridge to SR 14. There is poor visibility of traffic on
SR 14 and vehicles travel quite fast over this section of the road.
There has been at least one fatality at the intersection. Originally
constructed in 1883 as a multiple Kingpost truss boxed pony bridge.
It was covered in 1904. This bridge is one of only two “half-high”
multiple Kingpost truss bridges in Vermont. The other being the Gifford
Covered Bridge (WGN 45-09-03). It
was strengthened with four steel beams under the roadway in in 1977.
Note the 2003 damage to the roof when a large tree fell on the upstream
side of the structure. It not only damaged the new roof it caused
the bridge to lean off its abutments. It was repaired after we photographed
it on September 8, 2004. Barn red painted vertical tongue and groove
boarding covers the sides and portals. The floor has 2' x 6'
boards set on edge and laid crosswise and its black painted steel roof
and gables project beyond the entrances to provide additional weather protection
for the interior. Don't be surprised if you are met by chickens from
a nearby house (they greeted us). Also known as the Blaisdell
Covered Bridge, the Upper Blaisdell Covered Bridge, the Upper
Covered Bridge and the Johnson Covered Bridge. It was
listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1974.
(Sep 2004) |
