Wright’s Bridge
No. 58
Wright’s Covered Bridge, built in 1906 in Newport, replaced an earlier railroad bridge built around 1872. Designed by Boston and Maine Chief Bridge Engineer Jonathan Parker Snow, the bridge is a double Town lattice truss with supplemental five-foot-deep laminated wooden arches that carry much of the load. It is named for Samuel K. Wright, who sold the railroad right-of-way through his property.
After the railroad line was abandoned and the rails removed, Wright’s Bridge became part of the Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail. A major rehabilitation beginning in 2010 was completed by Wright Construction Co., Inc. of Mount Holly, Vermont, with engineering by DuBois & King, Inc. Severe decay in the lower corners, lattice ends, chords, and bearing timbers required extensive structural repairs.
Wright’s Bridge Photo Album
Boston & Maine Railroad Podcast Episode
The Covered Bridges of the Boston & Maine Railroad with Rick Kfoury
Kim speaks with Rick Kfoury, President of the Boston and Maine Railroad Historical Society. Rick shares insight into New Hampshire’s remaining covered railroad bridges, the influence of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and the historical context behind these rare surviving structures.
