Flume Bridge
No. 39
Built in 1886, the Flume Covered Bridge spans the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch. Little is known about its construction, including its builder and cost, and even the 1886 date is not supported by surviving records. The 52-foot Paddleford truss is one of twenty-two Paddleford covered bridges remaining in New England. Steel girders were added beneath the bridge between 1971 and 1983, and in 2009 Northern New England Field Services rebuilt an abutment, repaired the adjacent stone retaining wall, improved drainage, and repaved the approach.
Flume Bridge Photo Album
Paddleford Truss Podcast Episode
The Paddleford Truss with Bob Durfee
Kim interviews engineer Bob Durfee of DuBois & King about bridgewright Peter Paddleford and his unique truss design. Learn why even though it was never patented, the Paddleford truss dominated covered bridge construction in northern New England for many years. Today there are only 22 Paddleford covered bridges left in New England.
Bridgewrights Paddleford Article
