Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Halpin Bridge
 November 2009 |  November 2009 |
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 November 2009 |  November 2009 |
Current Status: Open
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Location: Middlebury, on Halpin Covered Bridge Road
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Crosses: Muddy Branch of New Haven River
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GPS: 44.05008N, 73.140691W
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Built: 1840 Length: 66 feet
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Truss Design: Town Lattice
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WGN*: VT-01-03 NRHP**: Yes
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* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Halpin Bridge is located in Middlebury, right on the line with New Haven to the north. There are conflicting records as to when it was actually built. The World Guide to Covered Bridges lists the construction as finished in 1840 but Vermont records seem to indicate 1824, which would make it one of the oldest covered bridges in New England. This could make sense as that is when the nearby Pulp Mill Bridge is reported to have been built as well. But then again, the build date of the Pulp Mill Bridge has also been a matter of discussion.
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Nevertheless, one superlative that the Halpin Bridge can definitely lay claim to is being the highest covered bridge in Vermont, being 41 feet above the Muddy Branch which runs through a gorge below the bridge. Because of this height, the bridge has also come be known as the High Bridge over the years.
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It was built using the Town lattice truss design and originally carried traffic to and from the Halpin Quarry at Marble Ledge. These days all that is on the other side is the Halpin Farm. And despite the conflict about build dates, it is definitely considered the oldest Town lattice bridge in service in the state.
In 1994 it received a complete restoration by Jan Lewandoski at which time it was completely lifted off its crumbling original marble abutments, which were replaced with concrete. Some timber members of the trusses and all of the siding was replaced as well. The wooden roof was replaced with metal.
Visiting the bridge:
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The roads immediately leading to the bridge are dirt/gravel. On my visit I found them to be hard-packed and in decent shape if you are planning to ride a motorcycle there. There is a large turnout/parking area before you cross the bridge. It is suggested you park here, as there is no parking on the other side.
This is a narrow bridge with no safe place to walk inside, so use caution if entering. However, with virtually no traffic on this road, you should not have a problem crossing on foot. Although the bridge and roads are public, the land immediately around the bridge is posted with no trespassing signs.