Bement Bridge
Bradford, NH
| Style of Bridge: | Long Truss Covered Bridge |
| Year of Construction: | Built in 1954 Reconstructed between 1835-1837 |
| Original Cost: | Unknown |
| Structural Characteristics: | The Bement Bridge is a traditional covered bridge using the Long truss design, which was developed and patented by Colonel Stephen H. Long in 1830. Tradition suggests the bridge may have been built entirely of hemlock, although this has not been confirmed. |
This is the third bridge at this location. Tradition has it that Colonel Stephen H. Long, a Hopkinton native and a member of the U.S. Army Topographical Engineers, built the bridge entirely of hemlock. No evidence was found however to support or dispute the claim. Much of Colonel Long’s bridge-building experience came from his employment with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. While working for the railroad, he developed a plan for a new covered bridge truss that became nationally known as the Long truss.
Long patented his design in 1830. In 1835 and 1837, he patented improvements to the design. The town extensively rebuilt the bridge in 1947. The bridge was closed in March 1968 and repaired by the state in 1969 for $24,478.14. One-third of the cost was borne by the town. Vehicular damage to the bridge was repaired in 1987 by the state at a cost of $2,000. A cracked floor beam was repaired by the town during the winter of 1989-1990. The Bement Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
