Andover, NH is home to two covered bridges. The first bridge is the Keniston Bridge built over the Blackwater River in 1882 by Albert R. Hamilton at a cost of $745.57.
The lattice work on the side is not just ornamental but also provides support for the bridge. A lattice truss structure allows a substantial bridge to be made using planks and lower-skilled labor, rather than heavy timbers and more expensive carpenters. It’s also easier to handle and move planks rather than timbers.
The town rehabilitated the bridge in 1981. To do work on the foundation or abutments, the engineers lifted it from its foundation using two cranes and moved it to a temporary site. The problem was that the site was only a few feet above the water level. The engineers had to work quickly to finish fixing the abutments and return the bridge to its place before heavy rains and rising waters caused the river to rise and damage the bridge.
The value of money has changed so much: $745.57 to build a bridge seems unbelievable nowadays!
I know. It’s amazing.
I particuarly like how the trees seem to frame the bridge in the first photo. Thank you for including the information about how the bridge was constructed. I learned something!
Thank you, Liz. I’ve learned a lot by photographing these bridges.
You’re welcome, Chris.
I like seeing the brush through the latticework. 👀🍃
I love the ‘lattice work’ – the “X” that span across. Gives it that nice embroidered feel! Lovely photos as always! Have a great weekend ahead.
I like how you describe it as an embroidered feel. You too. Enjoy the weekend.
That is some beautiful lattice work. And only $745….so crazy to think what it would cost now.
There have been modern restorations. They can be quite expensive if the abutment need to be redone.
Great 👍
Thank you so much!
Interesting!
Thank you!
Wow its really interestingly beautiful.
Thank you. i agree. This is a really pretty one.
The lattice work is so pretty and it provides so much light and support! These bridges are all so different. It’s interesting how varied they all are. These are great shots you’ve created! It’s so green and lush where you are. Thank you Chris!
Thank you, Sandra. I like the openness of this bridge. Some can be very closed in. Yes, it is green here. We’ve had a fair amount of rain recently. Have a great evening. Take care.
I love looking through the bridge to the other side. It looks like the entrance to a place one would expect to see in a fairy tale. Very nice!
Thank you, Andi. I find that I like the open bridges more than the ones that are closed in at the side. They do have a Hans Christian Andersen feel to them. Have a great day.
I find this lattice structure very appealing as it makes the bridge look very light and airy. 😀
It is a nice design. Take care.
You too!