State offers used bridge, free to a good home
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By Josh O'Gorman Herald Staff - Published: December 24, 2008
CHESTER — The state has a bridge it would like to sell you. Even better, it's free.
It's not a con, but rather federal regulations that require the state to offer the bridge for free, said Scott Newman, historic preservation officer for the Agency of Transportation.
"When we have a project with a historic bridge, we are obliged to make it available," Newman said. The bridge in question is a single-span concrete bridge that allows motorists traveling Route 103 to cross the Williams River. The bridge is considered historic not because of its age — built in 1924 — but because of the concrete railing that runs along its side, Newman said.
The estimate to replace the bridge is about $1.1 million, with funds available fiscal year 2011-12, but the AOT is already planning what to do with the bridge now. Currently, AOT has 10 bridges in storage and would rather not store another.
In the past, reused bridges have been used to connect pedestrian and bike paths. A sidewalk on Route 133 in West Rutland reused a bridge from Waitsfield. A bridge from Shoreham was relocated to span a bike path in Thetford. Right now, a two-span truss bridge, originally from Milton, is being reconstructed across the Missisquoi River for a trail that will one day connect Swanton and St. Johnsbury, Newman said.
"Generally, the bridges are not for vehicular use," Newman said.
Newman said towns and nonprofit trail-building groups have the best chance of being awarded the bridge and private inquiries will not be given priority.
In addition to receiving the bridge for free, the state also has limited money available to assist in the relocation. Newman could not say how much was available for the Chester bridge, and noted with budget cuts the money might not be available in the future.
Towns or groups interested in the bridge can call Scott Newman 828-3964.
Contact Josh O'Gorman at josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com.
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