Mount Orne Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Orne Bridge |
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Bridge in New Hampshire & Vermont
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| Crosses | Connecticut River |
| Locale | Lancaster, New Hampshire to Lunenburg, Vermont |
| Maintained by | Towns of Lancaster and Lunenburg |
| ID number | 29-04-08 (NH #30) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Howe truss bridge |
| Total length | 266.25 ft (81.15 m) |
| Width | 20.5 ft (6.25 m) (maximum), 14.42 ft (4.395 m) (roadway) |
| Longest span | 127.33 ft (38.81 m) |
| Load limit | 6 tons |
| Clearance above | 12.75 ft (3.89 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1911 November 23, 1983 |
| Closed | July 5, 1983 |
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Mount Orne Covered Bridge
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lancaster, New Hampshire & Lunenburg, Vermont |
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Architect | Berlin Iron Bridge Co. |
| Architectural style | Howe truss covered bridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000124 |
| Added to NRHP | December 12, 1976 |
The Mount Orne Bridge is a special kind of bridge called a covered bridge. It stretches across the Connecticut River, connecting the towns of Lancaster, New Hampshire, and Lunenburg, Vermont. This historic bridge was built in 1911.
It's one of only two bridges over the Connecticut River that uses a special design called a Howe truss. Because of its unique design and history, the Mount Orne Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Contents
What Makes This Bridge Special?
The Mount Orne Covered Bridge is found in a quiet, countryside area. It crosses the Connecticut River, running from the northwest to the southeast. This bridge is made up of two main sections. These sections use a mix of wood and iron in their design.
The bridge rests on strong stone supports. Some parts of these supports have been covered with concrete. The entire bridge is about 267 feet (81 m) long. The western section is 134 feet (41 m) long, and the eastern section is just a little bit shorter.
Bridge Design and Features
The Mount Orne Bridge is about 20.5 feet (6.2 m) wide. The part where cars drive is about 15.5 feet (4.7 m) wide. The bridge has a roof made of corrugated metal, shaped like a triangle.
Its sides are covered with wooden boards that go partway down. These wooden boards also extend inside the openings where you drive in and out of the bridge. This design helps protect the wooden structure from weather.
A Look Back: Bridge History
The Mount Orne Bridge was built in 1911 by the Berlin Construction Company. It replaced an older bridge that was washed away by a big flood in 1905. This bridge is important because it's one of the last covered bridges built in New Hampshire and Vermont during a time when many were being constructed.
Sharing the Costs
The towns of Lancaster and Lunenburg share the costs of building and keeping the bridge in good shape. This shows how important the bridge is to both communities. The bridge was officially reopened and celebrated on November 23, 1983.
