Covered bridge in worse shape than first thought

Fixing the Hammond River #2 covered bridge will take some time…so repairs have been suspended. Officials told area residents at a public meeting yesterday the bridge is in worse shape than first thought.

Significant wood rot has been uncovered raising questions about the future of the bridge. It’s been closed to all traffic indefinitely.

The Transportation Department is planning to install a modular bridge and is looking at two options. Either install it next to the covered bridge which would take longer…or tear the covered bridge down and put the modular bridge on those existing pilings which could be done early next year.