Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Chamberlin Mill Bridge
The Chamberlin Mill Bridge is one of five within the town of Lyndon. Maps dating back to 1795 indicate that there has been a bridge at this site since at least that time, but the bridge was likely not covered. It is presumed as such, since an 1881 article in the Vermont Union proclaimed the Chamberlin Bridge was having a new abutment built and that it was to be a covered bridge. Evidence is that the bridge was not completely rebuilt at this time, but that the existing bridge, in addition to having an abutment repaired, had the covering built on it.
The bridge takes its name from the owner of a gristmill built at this site, the ruins of which can still be seen here. Later, Ephraim Chamberlin added a sawmill, which led to the bridge being sometimes known as the Sawmill Bridge.
Current Status: Open
Location: Lyndon, on Chamberlin Mill Road
Crosses: South Wheelock Branch of
the Passumpsic River
GPS: 44.51648N, 72.016601W
Built: 1881 Length: 69 feet
Truss Design: Queenpost
WGN*: VT-03-04 NRHP**: Yes
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
Over the years this area became a bustling one, with several mills and other businesses operating at the same time. Chamberlin's mills were transferred in ownership several times, but the bridge's name remained the same until Harold Whitcomb bought the mills at which point the bridge was known as the Whitcomb Bridge. But in 1937, Whitcomb sold out, and the name of the bridge reverted back to its original name, and that's how it has been listed in the National Register.
Chamberlin Mill Bridge is another classic example of the style of bridges found in this area. The queenpost trusses are mostly exposed, but the roof eaves extend out much further than most other bridges to keep rain out of the bridge and off the trusses. There is an advantage to this style in that it is possible to see traffic coming without all that siding blocking the view. Directly at the north end of the bridge is Mill Street, and while today there may not be a whole lot of activity in this area, "back in the day" it was very busy.
The siding on the inside of the bridge may be more of a modern addition, to act as a guard against cars hitting the trusses. Notice that they are installed horizontally while the exterior siding is vertical. A problem with this is that the siding hides the trusses on the bottom, and any potential rot problems can be concealed. When I visited the bridge last in 2011, there was a noticeable sag at the southwest corner, leading me to believe that there is some structural failure occurring. There was also a lean (or rack) to it, as seen in the third photo of the slideshow. The top-heavy nature of these bridges with huge roofs makes this unsurprising. The right combination of snow load and strong winds could spell doom if this has not been addressed yet.
Visiting the bridge:
Chamberlin Bridge Road is paved, so there are no issues to worry about if you are on a motorcycle. Actually, having a motorcycle may be a little bit of an advantage as there is no real parking area at the bridge. Mill Street, just north of the bridge is little more than a driveway to a few houses nowadays, so parking there may be an option. I parked my bike at the end of Acorn Lane, on the south side, which is a private drive to a residence (but it is dirt here).
The banks of the river here are fairly steep, and appeared to involve crossing private property, so I didn't venture down. I tend to be visiting these bridges on weekdays and there is typically no one around to ask permission. Maybe another day. As mentioned before, ruins of the old mills can still be seen here. The inside of the bridge is a no-man's land - there's no where to go if a car comes across while you are inside. When I visited though, it was not busy at all.