New Hampshire’s ongoing covered bridge restoration program reached a significant milestone this month with the completion of work on the Bement Bridge in Bradford, the 15th historic covered bridge to be restored through the initiative since it was established in 2018.
The Bement Bridge, built in 1854 and spanning the West Branch of the Warner River, received $420,000 in repairs including new roof shingling, replacement of deteriorated structural timbers, abutment stabilization, and a fresh coat of the traditional barn-red paint that characterizes the state’s covered bridges.
“Every covered bridge we save is a victory for New Hampshire’s heritage,” said state historic preservation officer Benjamin Wilson. “These bridges are beloved symbols of our state, and losing even one would be a real cultural loss.”
New Hampshire is home to 54 covered bridges, the fourth-highest total in the nation. Many date to the mid-1800s and are still in daily use by vehicular traffic, making their maintenance both a preservation challenge and a practical transportation necessity.
The restoration program, administered jointly by the Department of Transportation and the Division of Historical Resources, provides matching funds to municipalities responsible for maintaining covered bridges within their borders. Towns contribute 20 percent of project costs, with the state covering the remainder.
“Without this program, a lot of small towns simply couldn’t afford to maintain these structures,” said Bradford selectman John Sheehan. “The Bement Bridge is a source of pride for our community, and we’re grateful for the support.”
The program has become a model for other states with significant covered bridge inventories. Vermont, which has the largest collection in the country, recently consulted with New Hampshire officials about establishing a similar initiative.
Covered bridge tourism contributes an estimated $45 million annually to New Hampshire’s economy, with self-guided driving tours particularly popular during fall foliage season. The state maintains an interactive online map showing the location, history, and condition of every covered bridge.
The next bridge slated for restoration is the Keniston Bridge in Andover, with work expected to begin in June.
