Local Group Exploring Sanborn Covered Bridge Options

WGN 45-03-05

Updated 11-20-2020

 

 

Lyndonville October 5, 2020 - After sitting in the precarious state of stabilized but neglected for almost seven years, the Sanborn Covered Bridge may be seeing a new spark of hope for its restoration. Sarah Lafferty, president of the Lyndon Area Chamber of Commerce, is forming a group to explore options to address the current state of the bridge.

Lafferty, a lifelong resident of Lyndonville, has taken the lead in organizing a group people to assess the current state of the bridge and what can be done to restore it. The group consists of the Lyndon Historical Society, town representatives, and community members.

This group has already been in contact with the current owners of the bridge to explore the transfer of ownership. They are also exploring fundraising options as well as seeking donated materials for the repairs.

Bill Caswell, president of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, has been providing background information, guidance, and contacts for the group.

This will be a lenghty and expensive project requiring the expertise of bridgewrights. But Sarah has a vision to connect all of Lyndon's covered bridges to the existing trail system for cyclists and pedestrians. This would bring a unifying aspect to the Covered Bridge Capital of the Northeast Kingdom connecting all of Lyndon's covered bridges!

After years of neglect, the Sanborn Bridge was on the verge of collapse in 2013. A total of a little over $91,000 was spent to stabilize the bridge. The National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges paid over $86,000. The remainder of the costtotaling over $5,000, was covered by donations. The work was done by Tim Andrews of Barns & Bridges of New England. Here is a link to an article describing the condition of the bridge and rescue efforts from 2013: Sanborn Covered Bridge Near Collapse Averted

You can see what's been done and follow the progress in the Save The Sanborn Covered Bridge Facebook group.