West Milton Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Milton Bridge
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The modern bridge in 2014
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bear Trap Rd. over the Lamoille R., Milton, Vermont |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1902 |
| Built by | United Construction Co. |
| Architectural style | Double-span through truss |
| MPS | Metal Truss, Masonry, and Concrete Bridges in Vermont MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 92001173 |
| Added to NRHP | September 8, 1992 |
The West Milton Bridge is a steel bridge that carries Bear Trap Road over the Lamoille River in Milton, Vermont. This bridge is special because it replaced an older bridge from 1902. That old bridge was moved to a new spot and is now part of a walking trail. The West Milton Bridge is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
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About the Bridge's Location
The West Milton Bridge is found in a small, quiet area called West Milton. This area is mostly homes and businesses along the eastern side of the Lamoille River. The river flows into Lake Champlain about a mile to the west.
The Original West Milton Bridge
The first West Milton Bridge was built in 1902. It was a special type of bridge called a Pennsylvania truss bridge. This bridge had two main sections and was about 329 feet (100 meters) long. It was 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide, just enough for one lane of traffic.
Built to Last
The company that made the parts for the bridge was called the American Bridge Company. The United Construction Company from Albany, New York put the bridge together. This old bridge was very strong. It even survived the big floods in Vermont in 1927, which destroyed more than 1,200 other bridges!
A New Home for the Old Bridge
There was another bridge called the Swanton Covered Railroad Bridge. It was built in 1895 and crossed the Missisquoi River. By 1973, it was no longer used and was falling apart. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1987.
After the new West Milton Bridge was built, the strong metal parts (trusses) of the old 1902 West Milton Bridge were moved. They were taken to the spot where the Swanton Covered Railroad Bridge used to be. Now, these old bridge parts are used as part of a path for walking and biking. It's like the old bridge got a new life!
