By Erin Thompson
The Daily Item
MILLMONT — The Millmont Red Covered Bridge is neither red nor covered right now. The 150-year-old bridge is in the middle of a $3 million reconstruction project.
It is one of three century-plus bridges in Union County that the county commissioners showed off on a Wednesday tour.
All three — the Iddings Bridge, Millmont Red Covered Bridge and the Laurel Park Bridge — are in different stages of repair.
The Millmont Red Covered Bridge, located over Penns Creek on Covered Bridge Road, is closed to vehicular traffic and under construction,
The entire rebuilding process for this bridge will cost $2 million to $3 million, with 5 percent coming from the county.
According to Kevin Bailey, project manager at Coukart and Associates Inc., the bridge was originally made of eastern hemlock, which will no longer be the case for much of the bridge.
"You can't get that anymore, but we're trying to keep as much of the original wood as possible," he said.
The Millmont Red Covered Bridge is classified as a Burr arch-truss, named for designer Theodore Burr.
"This type of bridge was popular in the late 1800s, early 1900s, said Bailey.
When construction is complete, the bridge will have much of the same siding and all of the same ironwork.
This will be the bridge's second reconstruction since it was built in 1855. The first occurred in 1955.
The bridge has been closed since 2002 and is expected to be reopened in November.
According to John Showers, Union County commissioner, the process of repairing bridges can be a long one.
"This bridge took a long, long time to plan, and there were even some last-minute archeological digs that needed to be made," he said.
This is similar with the Iddings Bridge, which crosses Buffalo Creek. Due to delays caused by archeological digs, its replacement was postponed from 2011 to 2012.
According to Showers, the commissioners began collecting funds for this project in 2005.
"About 30 years ago, Mrs. Iddings (for whom the bridge was named) was after the commissioners to replace it."
Last year, the weight limit for the Iddings Bridge, which was constructed in 1910, dropped from nine tons to five.
"That's about enough for a fat pickup truck," Showers said.
"A UPS delivery truck is on the border," added Commissioner John Mathias.
Preston Boop, also a county commissioner, said the life of the bridge can be extended if large trucks find another route.
"Local truckers know not to cross," he said. "But others that come through don't see the sign, or maybe just don't feel like finding another bridge."
About 250 cars pass the Iddings Bridge each day, according to a recent traffic study.
Bailey said when the bridge is replaced, it will be upgraded and will have two narrow lanes. Also, the bridge will be raised higher.
"You will be able to see across with your headlights on," he said.
Made of steel, the Laurel Park Bridge was built in 1895 and has a seven-ton limit.
"Our concern is with fire safety," said Showers. "Right now, a fire truck can't cross the bridge, and response time is much longer for one side."
Like the Iddings Bridge, the Laurel Park Bridge is one lane, and will be upgraded to two narrow lanes.
This project is still in idea stage, according to the commissioners. It will take three to five years before they will be able to begin the construction process.
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