Carleton Bridge - Swanzey NH
Posted by: 
nomadwillie
N 42° 51.286 W 072° 16.488
18T E 722655 N 4748290
A single-span Queenpost truss 67' 3" over the South Branch of the Ashuelot River.
Waymark Code: WM7ENZ
Location: New Hampshire, United States
Date Posted: 10/14/2009
Views: 14
Located: West of East Swanzey, New Hampshire on Carleton Road. Directions: From Keene, New Hampshire take SR 101 east to right on SR 12 to right on SR 32 then left on Carleton Road 0.3 mile to the bridge. Town records indicate the original bridge at this site was constructed in 1789, however, the exact date is unknown. The current bridge was built in 1869 and according to local tradition, it was built by local barn builders since the truss construction of the bridge is similar to that used in barns. When it was built, a wagon fully loaded with hay was used as a standard for the height and width of the opening. The bridge was closed in June 1974 to await town appropriations for repairs, rebuilding, or reconstruction. On Flag Day, June 14, 1975, as a part of the Swanzey Bicentennial Commission program, the bridge was painted by residents of the town. The Carleton Bridge was the smallest of the four covered bridges to be painted by the townspeople and was completed in five hours time. The bridge was restored in 1996 at a cost of $487,000. Also known as the Carlton Covered Bridge and the Whitcomb Covered Bridge. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places June 10, 1975.
Current Condition of Bridge: Excellent
Description of Covered Bridge:
The style of the bridge is Queenpost. The bridge has an overall length of 67'3" with a clear span of 60'3". It has an overall width of 16'6" with a roadway width of 12'4" and maximum vertical clearance of 11'7". It has sheathed sides. The structure is posted for 3 tons.
Year Built: 1869
Location (Road - City - State - Country): Carlton Rd Swanzey NH
Web Address: Not listed
Parking (If not at the bridge):: Not listed
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