Description
Great Eddy Covered Bridge, also known as the Waitsifled Covered Bridge, is a beautiful and historic covered bridge located in Waitsfield, Vermont. The bridge was built in 1833 to allow traffic to flow over the Mad River. The bridge spans 107 feet long and is about 16 feet wide. It is currently open to pedestrians and cars. There is a single lane for cars and a covered walkway for pedestrians.
Great Eddy Covered Bridge features a wonderful covered Burr arch-truss design. Considering it is the second oldest covered bridge in the state, the Burr design was used. Also, due to its age, the bridge has needed many repairs over the years. The Great Eddy bridge had substantial repairs in 1973. The attached walkway was restored in the place of an earlier one which had been removed. Complete replacements were made to the deck’s framework, flooring, knee braces, and upper lateral bracing. Planks of the new wood floor are arranged in an edge-to-edge pattern, parallel to the trusses. Genuine ship’s knees carved from tree crotches serve as the new knee braces.
On September 6, 1974, this covered bridge received the honor of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources. The NRHP Reference number for Great Eddy Covered Bridge is 74000261.
Visiting and photographing Great Eddy Covered Bridge is a wonderful experience. This covered bridge is surrounded by a pretty downtown, making it the perfect place to take photos. As you explore the covered bridge, be sure to take the time to admire its unique architecture and design. Not only will you be able to take amazing pictures, but you will also feel a sense of history as you explore this historic structure. Checking out this covered bridge is an experience that you won’t soon forget!
Accessing the covered bridge is extremely easy. It is located along Bridge Street which is just off Vermont Route 100. There is ample parking available in downtown Waitsfield and there are roadside parking spots just a few feet north of the bridge. Parking is free.
Covered Bridge Specs
- Constructed: 1833
- Design/Style: Covered Burr arch-truss
- Total Length: 107 feet
- Total Width: 16 feet
- Carries: Bridge Street
- Crosses: Mad River
- Maintained By: Town of Waitsfield
- Usage: Vehicles Permitted
- World Guide Number: 45-12-14
- NRHP: 74000261
Paul –
Love the Great Eddy Covered Bridge located right in downtown Waitsfield, Vermont!