Honeymoon Covered Bridge reopens to traffic
By PAUL FEELY
New Hampshire Union Leader
July 27. 2018 9:12AM
Honeymoon Covered Bridge takes another hit, this time from concrete truck
JACKSON — The historic Honeymoon Covered Bridge has reopened to vehicular traffic following emergency repairs made by state bridge maintenance crews this week after a concrete truck hit at least four of the rafters under the structure’s roof early Tuesday.
Steve Johnson, administrator for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s (NHDOT) Bureau of Bridge Maintenance, said the Honeymoon Bridge was officially reopened to traffic on Thursday afternoon after crews completed temporary repairs — but more extensive repairs will require an additional closure sometime this fall.
“We wanted to make sure nothing would come loose before we let anyone over that bridge,” said Johnson. “It’s safe for travel now — as long as you stay under the height and 3-ton weight limit — but there are roof trusses that will need to be replaced.”
Word the bridge would reopen Thursday brought a smile to Kathleen Driscoll’s face. Driscoll, the executive director of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, had been working on a plan to hold the town’s annual Jackson Covered Bridge Dance — scheduled for Aug. 4 and featuring a concert on the historic structure — elsewhere if needed.
“Thanks to the wonderful work of our state’s DOT, the bridge is open and the dance will be held as scheduled,” said Driscoll. “The DOT understands what this bridge means to the residents and businesses in this area, and they worked hard to get it quickly and safely.”
Driscoll joked she would buy dinner for any member of the crew who worked to get the bridge opened so quickly.
“Come find me,” joked Driscoll. “It’s on me.”
Around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, a cement truck owned by Alvin J. Coleman Son cement truck heading east toward Jackson Village drove past the posted 3-ton limit sign, hitting at least four of the bridge’s cross braces in the process.
The driver of the truck was identified by Jackson police as Scott H. Butler, 58, of Tamworth. He was issued a $62 summons at the scene for disregarding a lawfully posted traffic control device — the 3-ton weight limit sign. The accident is also under investigation by the Commercial Truck Unit of New Hampshire State Police, which could issue additional charges.
Johnson said his department is currently pricing options to replace the trusses. Once he has those figures, staff will develop a schedule to complete the work, which he hopes to have completed before winter.
“This is heavy timber,” said Johnson. “You can’t run down to Home Depot and pick some up. It has to be specially ordered.”
The additional work will require a planned closure of the bridge. Johnson said at this time he is unsure how long the closure may last, but it will be “more than a couple of days.”
“We will meet with Jackson officials to go over the plan once we put it together,” said Johnson. “We know there are many events that involve the bridge, and want to schedule the work when it will have the least impact on those.”
Leave a Reply