Green River Covered Bridge

Greenfield, Massachusetts | Town of Greenfield

A large storm event washed out most of the approach to one abutment and damaged the superstructure of the Green River Covered Bridge. The Town of Greenfield required long-term repairs and upgrades to this historic resource. D&K evaluated the structure, provided rehabilitation design and permitting assistance, and performed bid and construction contract administration and observation to replace the abutments and—while the bridge was dry docked—rotted timber. The storm had caused uneven settlement of the bridge, causing racking and distortion of the structure, so D&K also designed the replacement of broken and compromised timbers. Our Resident Project Representative provided daily observation and reports of the Contractor’s activities for the abutment rehabilitation; the temporary removal, shoring, and replacement of the superstructure; and the rehabilitation of the superstructure and site.

Markets:

Project Elements

• Reconstruction of a 93-ft-long Howe Truss-supported covered bridge
• Designed a “telltale” gate on east approach to prevent oversized trucks from entering bridge
• Developed shoring procedures for removing and replacing truss tension rods
• Principles of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards of Rehabilitation and the Burlington Charter applied to all phases of the work.

Sustainable Elements

• Used locally available Black Locust Timber (species with natural rot-resistant properties) for replacement of rotted bearing blocks
• Identified existing timber species (Douglas Fir and Hemlock) and used same material species for repairs
• Designed hold-down system to secure superstructure in place against flood and wind events
• Reused historic stone masonry from west abutment as stone veneer on new concrete abutments