Work Starts On Historic Bridge In Vernon

VERNON, CT — An historic bridge in one of Vernon's most historic areas is set for replacement, but she aspects that put the son ahead it its time in the 1800s will be preserved, town officials said.

It's the bridge over the Tankrhoosen River on Main Street.

The historic 58-foot long elliptical truss bridge, constructed in 1891 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, is being replaced.

The historic trusses, however, will be preserved and the new bridge will pass between them.

"This new bridge will provide safe passage for people travelling Main Street, while also preserving an important and interesting historic element in the Talcottville Historic District," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said.

Crews with NJR Construction of Torrington have begun working on the project. GM2 of Glastonbury designed the new bridge.

According t0 Vernon Town Engineer David Smith, the Main Street bridge is an example of what was once a common design when replacing wooden bridges. Vernon’s is one of few Berlin Iron bridges still bring used, he said.

"This ingenious design became popular throughout New England and the Midwest as steel began to replace wood as the material of choice for bridges," Smith said. "Ours is one of the few remaining in service."

Preserving the historic bridge was important because it serves a historic section of Vernon, Smith said.

"For nearly a century-and-a-half, the Berlin iron works elliptical trusses have provided this community with a safe and secure way to cross the Tankerhoosen River as Main Street connected Talcottville with Vernon," Smith said. “When I-84 turned Main Street into a cul-de-sac, this bridge continued to link homes and families to their neighbors."

It's the second go-round fr the. bridge's preservation. About 25 years ago, the trusses were retired and a new bridge deck was installed. The trusses will be preserved again as the bridge is replaced under the current project.

In addition to the modern bridge elements that will be installed, a new foundation will be poured, officials said to carry the load. The original stonework and the iron bridge will be preserved and the old iron work will be cleaned and painted to provide more years of service. A single traffic lane and an area for pedestrians are included in the new bridge.

A temporary road will provide access to homes on the northern side of the bridge.

The project cost is $1.7 million with 80 percent covered by the the federal Local Bridge Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The remaining 20 percent is being picked up by the town of Vernon.

The project is scheduled to be completed in mid-October.