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Chittendon
County, Vermont
(WGN
45-04-05) (WGCB VT-04-05): (1837-1838;
repaired 1976; restored 2001) A single-span Burr arch truss 97' over the
Browns River. Located: In Westford, Vermont off SR 128 beside
Cambridge Road. Directions: From jct. SR 104 and Maple
Street in Fairfax, Vermont (see directions to the Maple Street Covered
Bridge (WGN 45-06-02), go south 0.7 mile on
SR 104 to its jct. with SR 128. Take SR 128 south 3.3 miles to where
it swings sharply right in the center of Westford, Vermont. Continue
on SR 128 (the town green will be on your right) and make a left onto Cambridge
Road. Continue on Cambridge Road 0.2 mile to the bypassed bridge
on your left. When originally built, its cost was not to exceed $600.00.
The bridge is noted for its very large hand-hewed timbers. It was
bypassed by a concrete and steel bridge and closed to motor vehicle traffic
in 1965. It was repaired in 1976 by the Vermont Naval Reserve (Seabees)
and the townspeople. The bridge was closed to all traffic, including
foot traffic, in 1987 when it was feared the structure would collapse.
In October, 1987, it was raised on timber cribbing, false work was
built beneath it, and a team of oxen pulled the bridge off the river on
log rollers to an open field next to the town garage. The event was
of such importance that the National Geographic Society filmed the entire
operation. A campaign was started to raise funds to restore the bridge.
With additional funding raised, the bridge was rebuilt and restored to
its original location on a bypassed section of Cambridge Road on July 20,
2001 with final restoration work completed on July 30, 2001. The
restoration included pouring concrete caps on its abutments, replacing
the concrete facing on the east northeast abutment, replacing the upper
chord on the upstream side due to powder post beetle infestation, part
of the upper chord on the downstream side, seven truss tension members,
some roof boards, the rafter cross braces, one roof crossbeam and the installation
of a steel roof. In addition, a few downstream siding boards, and the portal
siding were replaced. The total cost of the project from October
1987 through July 30, 2001 was $220,000.00. It has unpainted vertical
plank siding and portals and the sides are open directly under the eves
for ventilation. Also known as the Westford Covered Bridge
and the Brown's Covered Bridge. (Sep 2004) |
