Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Upper Cox Brook Bridge
While there are some differences in siding and window construction, the Upper Cox Brook Bridge is a virtual twin of it's lower sister below.
Being the third bridge on Cox Brook Road, it's at times been called the Third Bridge and also the shortened Upper Bridge.
While the exact build date is unknown, it is generally accepted that this bridge was built the same year as the nearby Lower, Station and Slaughterhouse bridges.
Current Status: Open
Location: Northfield, on Cox Brook Road
Crosses: Cox Brook
GPS: 44.173738N, 72.655548W
Built: 1872 Length: 51 feet
Truss Design: Queenpost
WGN*: VT-12-11 NRHP**: Yes
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
Another trait shared with it's neighbors, the Upper Bridge has had steel beams installed (in 1966). The floor has been separated from the trusses such that the only the covering is supported by trusses. And like the Lower Cox Bridge, the trusses are receiving some support from the steel-work underneath. It is easy to get down underneath the bridge to see this (assuming the water is not running too high).
One feature it does not share is how it was installed relative to the brook. While the portals appear to be square, and the covering rectangular, the deck is built on a skew. The abutments are skewed, the trusses are not directly aligned with each other, the floor boards are at an angle, but the covering was built square. Kind of an interesting combination that should be investigated in person (if you are into the design aspects).
While the Northfield area was not particularly hard-hit by the Tropical Storm Irene flooding in 2011, the Upper Bridge did take a hit. A tree carried downstream by the rushing waters was thrust through the siding on the upstream side, missing the truss members, and punched a hole in the roof. The damage ended up being fairly minor, but the bridge was closed for a time due to that and due to damage to the approaches by overflowing water.
Visiting the bridge:
As with the other bridges on this road, the Upper Bridge is easy to find, but not so easy to park at.
When coming from the direction of the Lower Bridge, you will encounter a private drive on the left before crossing. It appears that some people have used this to park, but bare in mind it is a private drive and should be avoided.
On the other side of the bridge is private Pierson Hill Road. Again, a private drive that serves several residences. They have taken to putting large rocks down on the edge of the drive to discourage people from parking on the grass. However, they do allow parking on the side of that drive up to a point where a sign indicates that parking is no longer available. Just be sure not to block the ability for residents to drive in and out.