Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Kingsbury Bridge
 November 2009 |  November 2009 |
|---|---|
 June 2017 |  November 2009 |
The Kingsbury Bridge was built about the same time as the nearby Gifford and Braley bridges, making these three "cousins" some of the newer covered bridges in the state (even though they are still over 100 years old).
The name Kingsbury and alternate name Hyde Bridge probably originate from adjacent landowners, as is often the case with covered bridges. It has also been known as either the East Bethel Bridge or South Randolph bridge for the hamlets it is near. The name "S. Randolph, VT" graces each portal, but Kingsbury seems to be its official and more popular name. Likely due in part to the road it is on as well.
Current Status: Open
Location: Randolph, on Kingsbury Road
Crosses: Second Branch of the White River
GPS: 43.88083N, 72.582003W
Built: 1904 Length: 52 feet
Truss Design: Multiple kingpost
WGN*: VT-09-02 NRHP**: Yes
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
This bridge has had quite a history of repairs, some due to its location - the bridge does not sit very high above the river and is prone to flooding. In 1958 a heavy snow load collapsed the roof. It was repaired and reopened in the same year. Over time, and probably due to repeated flooding from its low location, the bridge became unstable for use and was closed in 1978. In 1980 it was restored and reopened. In the early '90s it was damaged by an ice flow and was again extensively repaired to be re-opened in 1994. For reasons that I have yet to find, the bridge was rebuilt again in 2009. My first visit was shortly after the bridge was re-opened from that repair and the siding was brand new. Sadly, it didn't take vandals long to tag it with graffiti.
Visiting the bridge:
Kingsbury Bridge is easy to find as it is just off Route 14, the same road as the Braley and Gifford Bridges. This is the most southern of the three.
The road is not paved, but it is pretty nicely packed dirt and gravel. There is a rudimentary parking area on the eastern side of the bridge, before you cross it.