Abandoned Vermont: Putney Stone Arch Bridge

Abandoned buildings are usually what catches my attention, but there are other structures to remember. Many bypassed or “abandoned” bridges remain across the state, such as this one in East Putney.

You might miss this bridge if you are not walking on the side of the road.

Another view from the road. The foliage of the spring and summer months probably hides this view.

Side view.

Under the stone arch.

View up to the roadbed. Note the quarry marks on the stone.

Stone arch bridges are often found on bypassed roads or low traffic rural roads. They represent a different era of construction and different set of knowledge for engineers and bridge builders of today. Sadly, these bridges often cannot handle our modern traffic loads and are removed or ignored.

This Putney bridge is not very visible from the road, but it appears to be near a small park and recreational trail. From what I know, the people of Putney appreciate this bridge (or at least some people do).

James Otis Follett, a Vermont engineer and mason, constructed this bridge in 1902, one of about 40 bridges throughout Vermont. This bridge was bypassed in 1965 for a straighter road alignment. The bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Read its nomination here for additional history and significance information.