Hartland Covered Bridge

The bridge opened in 1901 across the Saint John River as an uncovered toll structure of seven spans. Covering it was proposed almost at once and resisted by some residents who thought a roofed bridge would encourage young couples to linger inside; it was finally covered in 1922 after ice damage, which is the practical reason covered bridges exist, since the roof protects the timber trusses from rot. At three hundred and ninety-one metres it is the longest covered bridge in the world. It carries traffic still, one lane, with a height limit that catches out drivers of tall vehicles regularly.

History

Proposals for a bridge to replace the ferry began as early as 1895, the Hartland Bridge Company was formed in 1899, and the contract went to Albert Brewer for $27,945; the doctor A. W. Estey crossed on 13 May 1901 to answer an emergency call, the day before it opened as an uncovered toll bridge, and the formal opening was set for 4 July. After weather damaged it in early 1920 it was rebuilt and covered, and it became a National Historic Site in 1977 and a Provincial Heritage Place in 1999 (Wikipedia, Hartland Covered Bridge).

What's there

• The 391-metre span - the longest covered bridge in the world.
• The seven spans - Howe trusses crossing the Saint John River.
• The working traffic - a single lane still carrying vehicles.
• The river valley - the Saint John valley and potato country around it.

When to go

May to October for the valley and walking the bridge; it is open year-round as a road. Autumn colour along the Saint John is good. The interpretive centre is seasonal.

Before you go

It is a working one-lane road bridge with a strict height limit and vehicles do strike it. Walking through means sharing with traffic on a narrow walkway. The visit is short.

Nearby

Grand Falls lies north; Fredericton is southeast.

Key facts