Since our founding over 50 years ago, we have inspected, load rated, Three photos of construction on a covered bridge in New England. repaired, rehabilitated, or completed new designs for over 50 covered bridges across New England and New York. Our team of covered bridge experts is regionally known for our success in all aspects of supporting the stewardship of these historic treasures for our clients.

Recently, we were selected for the inspection/rehabilitation of seven covered bridges for the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), whom we have been serving for over 25 years.

Vermont Covered Bridges

Vermont is home to over 100 authentic covered bridges (representing the highest number per square mile in the United States), and VTrans makes preservation and maintenance of these iconic structures a top priority. Hoyle Tanner will continue this tradition by providing “on-call” services to VTrans, which may include anything from project scoping through the production of complete contract plans.

Our current projects with the Agency include seven covered bridge located in Northfield (three), Charlotte, Hartland, Lyndon and Weathersfield. These bridges were constructed between 1870 and 1900 and include Town Lattice, Queenspost, Multiple Kingpost and Tied Arch truss types. We are currently completing the project scoping for each bridge which includes a full condition evaluation, public input, and structural analysis and review of rehabilitation alternatives. This study sets the stage for the eventual design of the rehabilitation of each bridge so that they can continue to serve the public for many years to come.

A Hoyle Tanner Engineer Performing Rope Access Inspection on a Covered Bridge in New England.
Rope Access Inspection Techniques are a Cost-Effective Way to Access Hard to Reach Areas of Load Posted Covered Bridges

Award Winning & Historic Projects Close up of an old bridge sign that says, "One Dollar Fine to Drive Any Team Faster Than A Walk On This Bridge - 1832."

Over the years we have completed covered bridge projects that embody what it means to connect communities and stimulate local economies through protecting and reviving historic structures and places. Historic bridges provide a unique set of challenges to engineers as well owners who may not be familiar with these structures. Our professionals have the requisite expertise and knowledge to make these projects a success, and have been recognized with over 30 awards for our projects including –  most recently – a 2024 Preservation Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance for the Whittier Covered Bridge.

Bridge Services

In an industry where critical infrastructure is being funded, designed and constructed through many regulatory agencies, it is important that a design partner can provide the full range of requirements necessary for bridge construction. From bridge design, safety inspections, capacity Inside truss design of a covered bridge. ratings, emergency response services, or making a recommendation on which problems to prioritize, our trusted experts have seen it all. We embrace every challenge, even if it’s not an engineering one. We understand the role bridges have in their communities, so we eagerly step in to ensure public support, answer questions at community forums, consult on funding resources, and develop capital improvement plans for long-term success.

Our team has extensive experience in the rehabilitation of historic structures and NBIS bridge inspection. We are committed to each project because we’re committed to the communities where we live and work. Reach out to Sean James, PE, Division Manager-Ground Transportation Services, if your community could use our expertise!