The bridge was built in 1928 and is considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places according to the latest NHDOT Bridge Inspection Report dated 5/19/2000.  It was given a historic rating of 18 in the NHDOT-NHDHR historic bridge survey in 1982.  When the bridge was built in 1928 a concrete cap was added to the stone abutment o­n the Bristol side and the concrete abutment was built o­n the New Hampton side.  Significant repairs were done to the superstructure in 1975 and a new backwall was added to the concrete abutment. 

S E A Consultants Inc. (SEA) had a meeting with the Towns of Bristol and New Hampton o­n June 20^th at the bridge.  Representatives from the Towns’ Board of Selectmen, Historic Societies, and Conservation Commissions were present at the meeting.  The consensus of the meeting was that the bridge should be replaced rather than repaired.  The main reasons for this decision include:

1. The width of the current bridge is 18 feet.  Current AASHTO standards recommend two travel lanes of 10 feet with 2 foot shoulders for an overall width of 24 feet.  This is a safety concern for both Towns.  Two cars can pass if they go slowly.  It is more difficult for a larger truck and car to pass and impossible for a highway department truck and car to pass at the same time.  The bridge length of 245 feet makes this minimal width an even greater concern.  THE BRIDGE IS JUST NOT SAFE!!!

2. The hydraulic issues for this bridge are also important.  The bridge currently has a gate o­n either side of the bridge to keep vehicles from crossing the bridge when it is under water.  The S E A Elevation (below) shows the level of the 50-year storm.  The plan also shows where the 50-year storm is o­n either side of the bridge.  Flood water backs up from the Franklin Falls dam causing the high levels of water.
3. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1975 and is now in need of even more extensive rehabilitation.  Long term maintenance costs will be considerably less for a new structure.  Based o­n past experience, S E A feels that the cost to rehabilitate the bridge would be as much as or possibly even more than the cost of a new structure.
4. The current alignment of the bridge and its approaches does not meet current AASHTO or NHDOT criteria.  The road dips considerably just before the bridge o­n the Bristol side.  Cars practically slam down o­nto the deck of the bridge after coming down Central Street from Bristol. 

At the January 10, 2002 Cultural Resources Meeting S E A asked what would be required if the bridge were to be replaced rather than repaired.  S E A would like to know if there would be any additional requirements besides the following:

1. Replacing the structure would be considered an adverse effect to a historical resource by the Advisory Council o­n Historic Preservation (ACHP).  An MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) would be required.  NHDHR, NHDOT, and the US Army Corps of Engineers would draft the Memorandum.  Other consulting parties might include the Historical Societies from the Towns of Bristol and New Hampton.  The MOA will need to be approved by the ACHP.
2. HAER (Historic American Engineering Record) – documentation would be required including a historic survey, an actual survey or measured drawings and black & white archival photos.  The cost of HAER documentation could range from $10,000 to $12,000. 
3. If the existing bridge is replaced with a wider bridge wider abutments would be required.  If these abutments went outside the footprint of the existing abutments, archeological resources may be disturbed.  The first phase of an archeological study could cost from $6,000 to $10,000.  A full recovery of the area would cost between $40,000 and $100,000.

Estimated Construction Schedule

August 2007	Close roadway, set-up detour, begin construction
August / September 2007	Remove existing bridge
September to December 2007	New Hampton abutment: remove existing and construct new
November 2007	Begin earthwork at New Hampton approach
December to May 2008	Bristol abutment: remove existing and construct new
April 2008	Begin earthwork at Bristol approach
April to June 2008	Construct temporary work trestle and temporary piers in river
June to July 2008	Erect steel girders
July 2008	Remove temporary piers from river
July to September 2008	Cast concrete bridge deck and complete the superstructure
September 2008	Remove temporary work trestle from river
September to November 2008	Complete roadway approach work
November 2008	Remove detour and open roadway to traffic

 

State Funding Schedule (80% of total costs – design and construction)

     

      1)      Eligible to receive 100% of design costs upon NHDOT approval of Final Design

2)      After July 1, 2007: Eligible to receive 50% of construction funding upon NHDOT approval of contractor’s construction bid

3)      After construction has been complete and approved by NHDOT eligible to receive remaining 50% of construction funding

 

Click below are some images and documents related to the Central Street Bridge:

• Click here to see the site from above
• Click here to see the site from the side
• Click here to see the single span option from the side
• Click here to see the 3-span option from the side
• Archaeological Phase 1B Survey
• Construction Impact Plan