Covered Bridges on Two Wheels

Here's another example of the popular name "Mill" used for covered bridges. Since mills, waterways and bridges all seemed to co-exist near each other back in the day, a lot of covered bridges became known as "the mill bridge".

This central village of Tunbridge was once bustling with mills and shops. At the bridge was the Hayward and Kibby mill (also known at times as the Hayward and Noble mill), which explains why the bridge is also known as the Hayward and Noble Bridge, the Hayward Bridge, and the Noble Bridge. Add to those names: the Tunbridge Bridge and the Spring Road Bridge (obviously due to its location). I'm actually a little surprised that it has not also been called the "village bridge" either, since it is right in the middle of Tunbridge Village. Maybe it had been on occasion, but not often enough to stick.

The bridge you will find on this site is not the original one. The previous bridge, and the one listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1883, but did not survive. In 1999, a fast spring thaw allowed a large amount of river ice to break up suddenly and head downstream. The ice jammed up under the bridge severely damaging it. At one point, the ice stopped and froze up, giving a glimmer of hope that the bridge could be saved. But before they could get the equipment and material to the site to stabilize it, the ice once again began flowing, taking the bridge. Helpless, the townspeople watched the remains of the bridge get wrenched from its abutments and proceed to float downstream on top of the ice.

I have read accounts that seem to indicate that the bridge was then purposely set ablaze to save the two other historic covered bridges downstream (the Cilley and Howe bridges) from the remains of the Mill Bridge floating downstream on the ice. But from accounts found on the web site of the Vermont Covered Bridge Society, I am not sure this is true. You can read them for yourself and form your own opinion. The accounts mention a fire only in passing, and it appears that the town saved what pieces they could from the ice, and the rest went into the river. Be that as it may, the town quickly vowed that they would rebuild the bridge and the very next year there was a new covered bridge spanning the White River in town.

Visiting the bridge:

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The Tunbridge Village area is one of those spots that is quintessential Vermont, changing little over the years. Many of the mill buildings and houses that date back to the previous bridge (and even before that) still stand.

The area around the bridge is still pretty densely packed with buildings, but a rudimentary parking area is available at one of the historic buildings just before crossing the bridge from the Route 110 (southern) side. The road on either side of the bridge is paved.

Once you cross the bridge, you empty out into a T-intersection. To the right, Spring Road turns to dirt and rejoins Route 110. To the left, the pavement continues and there is a spot that may appear to be one that you can park in, but I believe it to be private parking for the house across the street. I would advise against using it, even if it is available.