Conway's Covered Bridge Reopens

 

November 17, 2013, Conway, Mass - The historic Burkeville covered bridge (WGN 21-06-01) reopened today after being out of service for 28 years. A number of local residents turned out in spite of the rain for the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the bridge. The first person to ride across the bridge was 97 year old Helen Reed, the towns oldest resident. Ms. Reed rode in style as she crossed the bridge in a horse drawn carriage.

The Burkilleville covered bridge is 106 feet long was built in 1871 using a variation of a Howe truss. The current renovation was completed in 2005 and was the third renovation of the bridge's history. Other renovation took place in 1951 and 1970. The bridge was closed for safety reasons in 1985. According to the website www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM40B5_Burkeville_Covered_Bridge_Conway_MA, the current renovation involved raising the bridge, replacing timber trusses and floor as well as replacing the roof. The Burkeville covered bridge was added to the U.S. Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The following web link contains the full article from the The Recorder of Greenfield, Massachusetts covering the reopening of the Burkeville Covered Bridge: Conway's covered bridge reopens.