Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Howe Bridge
The Howe Bridge is located just a couple miles south of Tunbridge Village on Route 110, the same road along which you'll find several other covered bridges.
Named for the family that owns the farm just on the other side of the bridge, it has also been known as the Howe Farm Covered Bridge. In addition to that, the appellation of Lower Bridge has been given (due to it being downstream from the nearby Cilley and Mill bridges).
Current Status: Open
Location: Tunbridge, on Belknap Brook Road
Crosses: First Branch of the White River
GPS: 43.864884N, 72.498959W
Built: 1879 Length: 76 feet
Truss Design: Multiple kingpost
WGN*: VT-09-07 NRHP**: Yes
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The repair history of this bridge is minimal. It survived without needing any major work until 1994 at which time floor beams and the deck were replaced... not an unusual repair for a covered bridge. Perhaps the good fortune is due to the horseshoes that have been placed on one of the tie beams.
The State Agency of Transportation has recommended bypassing this bridge, but as of my visit in 2012 it was still in use.
One unusual feature of the bridge is the ladder hanging from one of the trusses. One of the Howe family members had been asked why it was there and reportedly replied that they didn't know... it had always been there.
Visiting the bridge:
Howe Bridge is easy to find, right off Route 110. The road is dirt, but you only have to go as far as crossing it and proceeding to the large Howe Farm.
There is no parking at the bridge itself. The Howe family welcomes visitors as long as you stay off the grass. Park in any of the driveways, but try to stay out of the way of farm operations.