Samuel Morey Memorial Bridge
Connecting the scenic landscapes of New Hampshire and Vermont, the Samuel Morey Memorial Bridge serves as both a vital transportation link and a monument to early American engineering. Carrying New Hampshire Route 25A across the Connecticut River, this historic structure links the town of Orford, New Hampshire, with Fairlee, Vermont.
The bridge was commissioned to replace a previous wooden structure that succumbed to severe flooding in 1936. Completed between 1937 and 1938, the current bridge represents a transition toward more durable, modern materials and architectural styles during the mid-20th century.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Location: Spans the Connecticut River between Orford, NH and Fairlee, VT.
- Design: Steel through-arch (specifically a tied arch design).
- Construction Date: Built 1937–1938.
- Total Length: 432 feet (132 meters).
- NRHP Status: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since December 8, 1997.
- Namesake: Samuel Morey, a pioneer inventor of steamships.
Engineering and Architectural Design
The Samuel Morey Memorial Bridge is a prime example of a steel through-arch bridge. In this configuration, the roadway passes through the arch structure rather than resting on top of it. The bridge spans 432 feet and sits approximately 35 feet above the river's surface, with its arches reaching 85 feet above the roadway.
The Tied Arch System
Technically, the bridge utilizes a tied arch design. In a tied arch, the two arches are connected by ties that distribute the active load internally. This differs from other contemporary structures, such as the Justice Harlan Fiske Stone Bridge, which distributes its active load directly to the abutments.
Aesthetic and Structural Details
The bridge is supported by poured concrete abutments—the substructures at the ends of a bridge—which feature light Art Deco or Moderne styling. These abutments include wing walls that recede into the riverbanks in three distinct stepped sections. For those observing from the river, remnants of the original wooden bridge's central pier and abutments, along with riprap (stone used to prevent erosion), remain visible.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Construction and Legacy
The project was designed by architect John H. Wells, with components manufactured by the American Bridge Company. The physical construction was carried out by the Hagen-Thibodeau Construction Company at a cost slightly exceeding $209,000.
The bridge is named in honor of Samuel Morey, a resident of both Orford and Fairlee who is recognized as an early inventor of steamships. Due to its architectural significance and historical value, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP reference No. 97001523) in 1997.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Architect | John H. Wells |
| Fabricator | American Bridge Company |
| Contractor | Hagen-Thibodeau Construction Co. |
| Total Span | 432 feet (132 m) |
| Arch Height | 85 feet (26 m) above roadway |
| Construction Cost | Over $209,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Samuel Morey Memorial Bridge built?
The bridge was constructed in 1937–38 to replace an older wooden bridge that had been damaged by flooding in 1936.
What is a tied arch bridge?
A tied arch is a design where the arches are joined by ties to distribute the active load, rather than transferring the entire load to the abutments at the ends of the bridge.
Who was Samuel Morey?
Samuel Morey was an early inventor of steamships and a resident of both Orford, New Hampshire, and Fairlee, Vermont.
What architectural style is used in the bridge's abutments?
The poured concrete abutments feature light Art Deco or Moderne styling, characterized by stepped wing walls.
When was the bridge recognized as a historic site?
The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 8, 1997.