Near Bethlehem in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
Pierce Bridge
Photographed By Kevin Craft, July 5, 2011
1. Pierce Bridge Marker
Inscription.
Pierce Bridge. . By 1920 the adjacent road, Rt. 302 was part of the Teddy Roosevelt (TR) Trail, which ran from Maine to Oregon. It was an important way for tourists to access the White Mountains. After the 1927 floods, many bridges needed to be quickly replaced. With vertical members in compression and diagonals in tension, the High Pratt truss was strong and easy to construct, making it a favorite of state highway engineers. This riveted steel span was erected in 1928, keeping this important crossing in use.
By 1920 the adjacent road, Rt. 302 was part of the Teddy Roosevelt (TR) Trail, which ran from Maine to Oregon. It was an important way for tourists to access the White Mountains. After the 1927 floods, many bridges needed to be quickly replaced. With vertical members in compression and diagonals in tension, the High Pratt truss was strong and easy to construct, making it a favorite of state highway engineers. This riveted steel span was erected in 1928, keeping this important crossing in use.
Erected 2009 by NH Division of Historical Resources and the NH Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 218.)
Location. 44° 16.303′ N, 71° 37.85′ W. Marker is near Bethlehem, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 302) and Beech Hill Road, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Located adjacent to the Wayside Inn. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3738 Main Street, Bethlehem NH 03574, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured
6. Pierce Bridge, built in 1928, now closed to traffic
Photographed By Kevin Craft, July 5, 2011
7. Photo taken from Pierce Bridge, looking downstream at new Route 302 bridge that replaced it.
Ammonoosuc River flows beneath bridges
Photographed By Kevin Craft, July 5, 2011
8. Photo taken from Pierce Bridge, looking upstream towards White Mountains
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2011, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 6, 2011, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.