Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Middle Bridge
When in comes to picturesque locations for a covered bridge, it doesn't get much better than this. Nestled in the middle of historic and beautiful Woodstock Village, this modern covered bridge looks absolutely perfect in this setting.
While covered bridges had existed at this site before, this bridge replaced an iron bridge that had been built in 1877 and condemned. Estimates to replace the failed bridge with a modern concrete and steel bridge actually were higher than the estimate that famed bridge-wright Milton Graton of New Hampshire submitted for the building of a new covered bridge.
Current Status: Open
Location: Woodstock, on Mountain Avenue
Crosses: Ottauquechee River
GPS: 43.624634N, 72.520332W
Built: 1969 Length: 143 feet
Truss Design: Town lattice
WGN*: VT-14-15 NRHP**: not eligible
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The bid was accepted and Graton proceeded to engage his passion. The specifications stated that it have a carrying capacity of at least 15 tons, which he more than met - without using any structural steel. The Town lattice is even pegged together with 1400 trunnels that were sourced from white oak trees nearby in New Hampshire rather than using modern bolts.
When the bridge was moved into place by a team of oxen (the "old-fashioned way") in 1969, it was the first truly authentic covered bridge built on a highway in Vermont since 1895. An engineer lauded the event telling Graton that he had made history by replacing a metal bridge with a wooden one.
In 1974, while the fire department was enjoying the annual Firemans' Ball, vandals attempted to burn down the bridge by dowsing it with gasoline and lighting it up. Fire crews responded quickly and were able to douse the flames before any major structural damage occurred. Graton was called upon to make repairs - again, without using any steel - and the bridge reopened in 1976.
The success of this bridge has no doubt led to the building of more new covered bridges in the state. It has become evident that in locations where constant truck traffic is not a concern, a covered bridge can be built just as strong as, will deteriorate much slower than, and generally costs less to build than a modern steel and concrete bridge.
Since the dedication of the Middle Bridge, seventeen authentically constructed covered bridges have been built on Vermont roads to replace those that have been destroyed or were failing beyond repair. It is hopeful that another gem will replace the Swamp Creek Bridge.
Visiting the bridge:
Woodstock Village is one of the most beautiful in the state. Filled with historic old buildings which house a multitude of upscale shops and restaurants, it is a popular tourist draw.
While there is no parking directly adjacent to the bridge, you can park in municipal parking spots all along the green in the center. From there, it is a short walk.
Crossing the bridge is made completely safe by the presence of a covered walkway incorporated into the span.