Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Holmes Creek Bridge
Holmes Creek Bridge (or Holmes Bridge) is located in Charlotte, right on the shore of Lake Champlain. Sometimes also known as the Lake Shore Covered Bridge, it is at the lowest elevation of any covered bridge in Vermont at only 112 feet above sea level. It is also the shortest authentic covered bridge still used for vehicle traffic in the state at just over 40 feet long.
The location of the bridge seems a little too good to be true. Right on the shore of a natural wonder and just down the road from the town beach and recreation area. It makes the bridge seem like some kind of more recently added tourist attraction, but it dates back to 1870. At that time, the Holmes family ran what was possibly the largest apple orchard in New England just southwest of the bridge.
Current Status: Open
Location: Charlotte, on Lake Road
Crosses: Holmes Creek
GPS: 44.333052N, 73.282312W
Built: 1870 Length: 40.5 feet
Truss Design: Tied arch
WGN*: VT-04-01 NRHP**: Yes
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The truss design of this bridge is a little deceiving. Some references (including a plaque installed in the bridge by the Town of Charlotte) claim that it is a kingpost with tied-arch configuration. The tied-arch is true enough. The arch consists of several planks sandwiched and bent over into a bow. The ends of the arches are notched into the ends of the bottom chords, and they are tied to the chords with metal rods. Hence, the tied-arch. What looks to be a kingpost configuration behind the arch is not what it appears. The center posts are not tied to the bottom chord (as it would be if it were a true kingpost) and the diagonals are interrupted by other vertical posts whose sole purpose is to support the roof. Moreover, the ends of these diagonals merely rest on the bottom chords, and are not tied into them as they would be if it were a kingpost truss.
In researching for these write-ups, I came across an old photo of the interior of this bridge circa 1941 that showed the absence of those kingpost-like beams. So, long story short, the arch and the chords that they are tied to are the only thing supporting the live load of the bridge. The other members that look like a kingpost truss are only supporting the dead load of the roof and siding. These were obviously a later addition. There are only three tied-arch bridges left in Vermont, and of those, this one has the highest-reaching arches.
Despite rehabilitation work done in 1993 and 1994, the state has apparently suggested that the Holmes Creek Bridge be closed due to abuse by overweight vehicles. It is still in service however.
Visiting the bridge:
Lake Road is paved, and well traveled by cars and bicycles (especially in the warmer months), so watch for cyclists. There is no official parking at the bridge, although people have been known to park on the side of the road to snap a quick pic. I wouldn't recommend it as 1) it's illegal parking and 2) it's dangerous as this is a busy road when the weather warms up. If you are on a motorcycle, you could get away with parking where I did on a small wide spot that keeps you out of the roadway.
The town maintains a parking area shortly past the north side of the bridge. It is for the town beach and recreation area, and according to the town's web site, will cost you $2. However, when I visited, there was no evidence of anyone collecting fees, but then again, it was also off-season. Regardless of whether it costs you money to park, this is what I recommend if you arrive by car so as to keep the area safe and not upset the residents on this road.
If the lake level is low enough (in other words, not during the spring) you may be able to get a good side shot from the lake shore. But in the spring, you would most likely have to stand in the lake to do so! If the creek is not running high, you can crawl under the bridge and inspect, close up, how the arches tie into the ends of the bottom chord and how the floor is built upon the trusses.