Pier Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pier Bridge
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sugar River Trail east of Chandler, Newport, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1907 |
| Built by | Boston and Maine Railroad |
| Architectural style | Town lattice truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000134 |
| Added to NRHP | June 10, 1975 |
The Pier Bridge is a special old covered bridge located in Newport, New Hampshire. It was built a long time ago, in 1907. This bridge used to carry trains for the Boston and Maine Railroad over the Sugar River. Today, it's part of the Sugar River Trail, a path where people can walk, bike, or run. It's called the Pier Bridge because it has a support in the middle, like a pier. This bridge is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Contents
Discovering the Pier Bridge
The Pier Bridge is found about half a mile (0.8 km) east of the old Chandler train station in Newport. It crosses the Sugar River. The bridge is made of two main parts, called "trusses." These trusses are like strong frameworks that hold the bridge up.
How the Bridge is Built
The bridge rests on strong stone supports called "abutments" at each end. It also has a central support in the middle, which is why it's called the Pier Bridge. The western part of the bridge is about 106 feet (32 meters) long. The eastern part is a bit longer, at 121 feet (37 meters).
The sides of the bridge are covered with vertical wooden boards. There's a small gap near the roof to help with air flow.
The Bridge's Journey Through Time
The Pier Bridge was built in 1907 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. This railroad line first started in 1872. It was built by a company called the Sugar River Railroad. Later, in 1887, it became part of the Boston and Maine Railroad.
From Trains to Trails
The Boston and Maine Railroad used this line until 1954. Then, another company, the Claremont & Concord Railway, took over. Trains stopped running to Newport on this line in 1977. After that, the railway was no longer used.
Today, the Pier Bridge is one of only two railroad bridges left on this old line. The other one is called Wright's Bridge. Now, instead of trains, people enjoy walking, running, and biking on the Sugar River Trail, which uses the old railway path, including the Pier Bridge.
