Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Comstock Bridge
 June 2011 |  June 2011 |
|---|---|
 June 2011 |  June 2011 |
Current Status: Open
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Location: Montgomery, on Comstock Bridge Road
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Crosses: Trout River
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GPS: 44.899653N, 72.644611W
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Built: 1883 Length: 69 feet
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Truss Design: Town lattice
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WGN*: VT-06-04 NRHP**: Yes
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* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Comstock Bridge is located in Montgomery, which is home to five covered bridges, all built by brothers Sheldon and Savannah Jewett. When this bridge was built in 1883, there was a mill nearby owned by John Comstock, which is where the name comes from. If it has been known by any other name, I can't find evidence of it.
Other than being a nice bridge, it doesn't seem to have a very exciting history. It is located on what is now a quiet road near the village green, but back in the day with the mill nearby it probably got more traffic.
At one time, a distribution beam was added under the floor, but more modern engineering studies suggest that such beams have no substantial benefit. One interesting feature is the window that is cut into just one side, and nearer the west end. Most likely it is there to be able to see traffic approaching around the bend that is immediately after the bridge. Traffic approaching the bridge can also see if a vehicle is coming out, as well.
The town lattice bridge was renovated in 2003 by Blow & Cote from Morrisville, VT. It seems that maybe overuse or stress was not the main problem with the bridge, but more likely the carpenter ants and many mouse nests that were found as it was disassembled. The white painted portals and splash boards are a common trait to the bridges in this area.
Visiting the bridge:
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The bridge is easy to see as you pass through Montgomery Village. It is on a paved road, but parking is limited. As it is not busy at all, you can probably do OK just parking on the side of the road. My bike is parked on the western side, at the end of a private drive (see the background photo).
The bridge is fairly wide, and there is a nice guardrail built onto the floor which would allow you to move aside if any vehicle happens to cross while you are inside. This scenario is pretty unlikely as the street that the bridge is on is paralleled by Route 118, and only local traffic (and tourists) use it.