Cheshire Bridge: A History of Engineering and Evolution
The crossing at Cheshire has served as a vital transportation link for over two centuries. From its origins as a wooden covered structure to its current steel form, the bridge's evolution reflects the broader advancements in American civil engineering and the changing needs of regional transit.
The Early Era: Wooden Lattice and Rail
The first bridge at this location was completed in 1806 by the Cheshire Bridge Co. This original structure was a Town lattice covered toll bridge—a design characterized by a crisscross pattern of heavy planks that provided significant strength and protected the wooden supports from the elements. By 1897, ownership of the bridge transitioned to the Springfield Electric Railway.
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The Transition to Steel
As transportation demands grew, the wooden structure was replaced in 1906 by the Iron Bridge Co. at a cost of US$ 65,000 (approximately US$ 2,330,000 when adjusted for inflation). This new iteration was a three-span steel Pratt truss bridge—a truss design where diagonal members are in tension and vertical members are in compression.
This 1906 bridge featured a 600-foot (180 m) span and a 20-foot (6.1 m) wide roadway. It was a versatile crossing, accommodating two-way vehicle traffic as well as freight and passenger rail cars.
The Modern Structure
In 1930, the bridge was replaced once more, this time by the McClintic-Marshall Co. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The project cost US$ 225,000 (approximately US$ 4,340,000 with inflation). The resulting structure is a three-span Pennsylvania truss, a variation of the Pratt truss that includes sub-struts to support longer spans, measuring 489 feet (149 m) in length.
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Ownership and Public Access
The bridge remained a private or utility-managed asset for much of its history until 1992, when it was purchased by the state of New Hampshire. While the bridge had historically operated as a toll crossing, tolls were officially discontinued in 2001.
Key Facts
- First Completion: 1806 (Town lattice covered bridge).
- 1906 Upgrade: Steel Pratt truss bridge costing US$ 65,000.
- 1930 Upgrade: Pennsylvania truss bridge costing US$ 225,000.
- Current Length: 489 feet (149 m).
- State Acquisition: Purchased by New Hampshire in 1992.
- Toll Status: Tolls ended in 2001.
| Year | Construction Company | Bridge Type | Cost (Nominal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1806 | Cheshire Bridge Co. | Town lattice covered | Not specified |
| 1906 | Iron Bridge Co. | Steel Pratt truss | US$ 65,000 |
| 1930 | McClintic-Marshall Co. | Pennsylvania truss | US$ 225,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally built the first bridge at this location?
The first bridge was completed in 1806 by the Cheshire Bridge Co.
What type of bridge was installed in 1906?
The 1906 bridge was a three-span steel Pratt truss bridge with a 600-foot span and a 20-foot wide roadway.
When did the state of New Hampshire take ownership?
The state of New Hampshire purchased the bridge in 1992.
Are there still tolls on the bridge?
No, tolls were collected until 2001, after which they were discontinued.
What is the length of the current bridge?
The current Pennsylvania truss bridge, installed in 1930, is 489 feet (149 m) long.