The small bridge near the top of Kearsarge Mountain Road, pictured here, and the Maple Street bridge over the Rail Trail will both be repaired soon. Photo: Charlie Darling

Maple Street Bridge, or Halcyon Bridge as it is also known, was not on the list of bridges to be repaired this year. Yet, in late summer, significant damage was found on the wooden decking, including a hole large enough to sink a car tire. The pattern of the damage to the decking, as well as rusting on the metal railings, is most probably the result of salt damage from the plows on Route 11 in addition to 13 years of wear and tear.

We were able to close the bridge to avoid mishaps, thanks to available alternate routes. Road Agent John Thompson began researching repair materials and costs, but the Select Board decided to hold off on repair options until next year, because of other bridge work that needs to be done.

However, the Board received two petitions of over 50 signatures each, as well as many phone calls from concerned residents, asking that the bridge be repaired and opened to vehicular traffic as soon as possible. A strong argument for keeping the bridge open to vehicular traffic was made by Jeff Newcomb, who recalled the robust letter writing campaign to the state Department of Transportation (DOT) 14 years ago.

The State owned the bridge, as it was part of the railroad system, and was considering taking down the old wooden structure or replacing it with a concrete culvert. Many concerned residents contacted the state, successfully making the bid to replace the old wooden structure with the current one, which maintains the historic appearance of the original bridge. The bridge was then handed over to the Town for ownership and maintenance. (My apologies if I don’t have the history exactly right.)

Due to the overwhelming public response, the Board has asked the Road Agent to go ahead with the repair. His plan will include stronger decking, using 2x4s on edge, and is estimated at $12,000 to be taken from the Bridge Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund. The repair will be scheduled after the completion of the Kearsarge Mountain Road Bridge.

Kearsarge Mountain Road

The repair of Kearsarge Mountain Road Bridge has become critical, due to rusting of the eight steel stringers of the substructure. During the repair, this bridge design will also undergo an improvement. The stringers will be replaced with true I beams, which are shaped to provide greater strength. The decking will be wooden, using pressure treated 2x4s on edge.

The work will most likely take place over a two-day period. Residents and emergency services will be notified to allow them to make necessary contingency plans.

The cost is estimated at $12,000, and the funds are available from the Highway Department Projects line in this year’s budget.