Gilbertville Bridge Will be Reopened

WGN MA-08-04/NH-14-01

 

Hardwick, Mass., December 10, 2008 - Since 1886, the quickest route between Hardwick, Massachusetts and Ware, New Hampshire was by way of the Gilbertville Covered Bridge. The bridge is owned jointly by the towns.

An easement approved at the Hardwick Town Meeting Monday last allows machinery and other equipment to be placed on private property during the repairs, the last hurdle in a long approval process. Voters in Ware passed a similar easement in November. The $3.3 million renovation can begin. Federal funds will cover 80 percent of the cost, with the state providing the balance. Bids for the work will be sought by years end.

One of only four wooden covered bridges in the state, the bridge was closed in 2002 when the State Highway Department determined its capacity to be inadequate to support traffic.

The renovation will include steel beams under the floor system, curbing in the roadway to protect the trusses and allow for pedestrians on each side. The bridge will treated with fire suppression chemicals and a fire detection system.

The 137-foot Gilbertville bridge was built in 1886 to cross the Ware River using a Town truss.