Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Island Pond Footbridge
Current Status: Pedestrian Only (by design)
Location: Brighton
Crosses: Railroad tracks
GPS: 44.81597N, 71.881077W Built: 2003
Length: 112 feet (main span), 242 feet overall
Truss Design: Howe (main span only)
WGN*: VT-05-d NRHP**: not eligible
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The village of Island Pond, located within the town of Brighton, is right in the heart of Vermont's "Northeast Kingdom". Outside of the village for miles around is pretty much all woods and mountains.
The village is essentially split in half by a hill and railroad tracks, the northern half occupying the high ground. The lower, southern, half consists of the historic railroad station, some more village and the body of water that gives the village its name.
Early on it was recognized that a pedestrian bridge was needed to cross the gap between the two halves of the village. Back in the day, a huge rail yard contributed greatly to the gap as Island Pond became an important rail hub.
In the 1850's a covered footbridge was constructed to fit the bill. It was replaced in the early 1900's by another footbridge, which was not covered, and in a slightly different location. That bridge was subsequently taken down in 1973. Historic photos show that both previous bridges were much more substantial than the current one as they had to cross a several-track-wide rail yard.
Today there are only 2 tracks running through town, but the newest bridge, built in 2003, is not small in the least. The main span is an authentic Howe truss with several levels of stairs (with post and beam covering) leading into and away from the span. It was built by Mitchell Mountain Homes of Granby, Vermont.
While the entire covering is wooden, the upper stairs are actually concrete built into the existing hillside, while the lower stairs are wood. The trusses are covered half-way up, both inside and out. Most likely covering the inside was to prevent vandals from kicking out the outer siding from inside the bridge... an act that could hurt someone below. Another thwart to vandals is the installed fire alarm system.
Visiting the bridge:
The upper, northern end of the bridge is at a T-intersection of two streets and there is limited parking street-side. The lower, southern end has lots of public parking and would be the better bet.
Get ready to do some stair climbing if you plan to cross the bridge! But if you are unable (or unwilling) to do all those stairs, the upper and lower halves are connected by roadways, so it isn't out of your way to go around to see it from both ends.
Brighton is probably the biggest town around, so if you are on a motorcycle, this might be a good place to top off the gas tank. Also, if you have the time, be sure to make your way over to Route 5A past Lake Willoughby... a deep glacial lake surrounded on both sides by high cliffs.