Hardwick, MA, October 16, 2010 - The Hardwick-Ware covered bridge, closed for more than eight years because it was unsafe reopened Thursday.
The wooden structure crosses the Ware River at Bridge Street in the Gilbertville district of Hardwick and Old Gilbertville Road in Ware. It is one of only three wooden covered bridges that remain in the state.
The state ordered the structure closed in August 2002 after an inspection concluded the bridge could not bear any more weight.
The 137-foot bridge was built in 1886 to cross the Ware River in a single span using the Town Truss.
For the story and photos, go to: http://www.telegram.com/article/20101016/NEWS/10160345.
[Our thanks to Bill Carroll and Tom Keating for forwarding this story - Ed.]